Callitris verrucosa

Location & distribution maps

Plant  information

Common name:         Mallee Pine

• Also, camphor wood and scrub cypress pine

Conservation status: Least concern

• The species is categorised as "least concern" on the IUCN Redlist

Etymology:   

Spores:                            

• It produces cones which are around 3mm long and in singular clusters for males

• They are approximately 20mm long for females, and occur in a bunch

• It is an obligate seeder, and its seeds display serotiny

Leaves:         

• Leaves are 2-4mm, with a conical/rounded surface, and green/grey coloured

Stem & branches: 

• The plant has a green/grey colour and rigid branches 

• It is typically multi-stemmed with erect branches

Roots:         

Habit:        

• A small tree or shrub which can reach the height of 8 m

• It has a slow grow rate

Habitat:   

• It prefers well-drained soils, and full sun

• It  grows best in sandy-soils, and can commonly be found on sand dunes within its habitat

Distribution:                  

• It is found only in Australia

• Endemic to Mallee Woodlands and Shrublands around southern Australia

• It can be found in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia

Additional notes:     

• The species can be negatively affected by intense fires, however it also requires fire to germinate seeds, making it a unique species.[2][3]

• Uses

  • The resin from various Callitris species were used by Aboriginal Australians as an adhesive for tools and weaponry

  • Long, straight branches were also fashioned into fishing spears

  • The wood is durable and insect resistant, and can be used for fencing

Sources of information:

• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callitris_verrucosa   (2024)