Callitris sulcata
Callitris sulcata is a plant belonging to the family of the cypress family ( Cupressaceae ). This endemic species is found only on the island of Grande Terre.
Description
Callitris sulcata grows as evergreen tree that can reach heights of growth 5-15 meters. The trunk is twisted. The smooth bark flakes off in irregular shaped pieces.
Young leaves are elongated and can be tapered. Older leaves are triangular in shape.
The male cones are terminal on the branches and are 3-5 mm long and between 1.5 and 2 millimeters thick. The female cones are terminal on the branches, and are about 1 inch long and about 1 inch thick. The seeds are pyramid- shaped.
Distribution and location
The natural range of Callitris sulcata is located in the southern province, on the duck belonging to New Caledonia island of Grande Terre. It extends thence along the rivers Tontouta, Nouméa and Comboui.
Callitris sulcata grows at altitudes of 40 to 200 meters. One finds the way there, especially in dense forests on ultramafic soils.
Callitris sulcata is classified as " critically endangered " in the IUCN Red List. Although the distribution area is erstreckst an area of approximately 226 km ², only about 20 km ² of which are populated with stocks from Callitris sulcata. The total population is estimated at less than 2500 mature trees, with none of the individual populations of more than 250 trees there. The number of trees decreases more and more, and it is contemplated the kind in future be classified as " critically endangered ". The main hazard reasons forest fires and timber felling in conjunction with a poor rejuvenation can be specified.
Use
The wood gives off a strong, reminiscent of camphor smell and is very resistant to rot and insect infestation. It was formerly used for the construction of wooden houses, and later also for the production of railway sleepers. The posts of old houses are still being re-used for the design of new buildings. In 2001, six barkringed strains was erected in commemoration of the restoration of the church in St. Joseph de Borendi to a nearby holy place. This should be a symbol of the six clans of the local tribes in the area, which are connected with the church.
System
The first description as Frenela sulcata upon in 1862 by Filippo Parlatore in index Seminum (FI ), page 23 Rudolf Schlechter via led the way in 1906 in Botanical yearbooks for systematics, plant history and geography of plants, Volume 39, page 16 as Callitris sulcata in the genus Callitris.
Swell
- Christopher J. Earle: Callitris sulcata. In: The Gymnosperm Database. www.conifers.org, November 25, 2012, accessed on 22 February 2013 ( English).
- Callitris sulcata. In: Faune et Flore de Nouvelle- Caledonia. www.endemia.nc, accessed on 22 February 2013 ( French).