Widdringtonia wallichii

Widdringtonia cedarbergensis is a plant belonging to the family of the cypress family ( Cupressaceae ). It is native to South Africa.

Description

Widdringtonia cedarbergensis grows as evergreen tree, the stature heights of 5 to 7, in sheltered locations and up to 20 meters can achieve. Mature trees are usually curved and have a spreading crown. The thin, reddish gray bark is fibrous and is peeling off.

Young leaves are up to 20 millimeters long and 2 millimeters wide. Older leaves are up to 4 millimeters long.

The male cones reach a length 1-2 millimeters. The spherical female cones are thick up to 2.5 centimeters. Each pin consists of four dark brown, woody cone scales, which have a rough, warty surface. The spigot of a tree can be in various stages at once. The seeds are oval shaped and have a small wing on.

Distribution and location

The natural range of Widdringtonia cedarbergensis located in South Africa's Western Cape province. The species is present there in the Cederberg Mountains.

Widdringtonia cedarbergensis grows on rocky outcrops and Berggipfen. The type is small, loose stocks, but also grows as a single tree.

Use

The pale yellow to whitish wood of Widdringtonia cedarbergensis can easily edit, fine grind and is resistant to wood-boring insects. The doors, pews and the carved altar of the Anglican Church, and the wooden furnishings of the Court of Clanwilliam were made ​​from the wood of this kind.

System

The first description as Widdringtonia cedarbergensis in 1966 by Judith Anne Marsh in Bothalia, Volume 9, page 125

Threats and conservation

Widdringtonia cedarbergensis is classified as " critically endangered " in the IUCN Red List. It is noted, however, that a re-examination of risk is necessary. By timber felling and fires exist today only five populations whose population numbers were reduced in 1998 by a fire on. The main reason of course hazard occurring fires are called, are so common that natural regeneration is hardly possible. Furthermore, many mature trees in remote locations and their numbers are is considered too low for natural regeneration. In about 53 km ² Cedar reserve a program for the reforestation of the species has begun and it will be planted each year in culture -raised seedlings. In addition, a program for controlling natural fires was set up.

Swell

• Christopher J. Earle: Widdringtonia cedarbergensis. In: The Gymnosperm Database. www.conifers.org, November 23, 2012, accessed on 23 February 2013 ( English).