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Summary
Physical Characteristics
Dacrydium cupressinum is an evergreen Tree growing to 30 m (98ft 5in) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf all year. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. The plant is not self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Drink
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 153, 183]. It can be somewhat constipating[173]. A resinous substance from the young branches has been used to make an alcoholic beverage resembling spruce beer[183]. The resin is bitter but edible[173]
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Lighting Tannin Wood
The heartwood is extremely resinous and is used as a torch[128]. Tannin is obtained from the bark[46, 61]. Wood - beautifully marked. Much used for construction, railway sleepers, furniture etc[1, 11, 46, 61, 171].
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Requires a light, freely draining soil in a sheltered position with protection from cold winds[164]. Requires high rainfall and humidity if it is to succeed. It tolerates shade and probably requires it in drier areas if the tree is to survive. Requires warm humid summers and mild humid winters if it is to grow well, and even then it is very slow growing[200]. It is best grown in a woodland garden[166]. This species is only hardy in the very mildest areas of the country and does not really thrive even there[1, 11]. A tree on the Scilly Isles was 9 metres tall in 1970[185]. Seed from a more alpine provenance might be more successful[81]. Dioecious, male and female plants must be grown if seed is required.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
Seed - sow spring in a freely draining compost[164]. It usually germinates in 1 - 3 months at 20°c[164]. Another report says that the seed can be very slow to germinate and that it is best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe[200]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of short leading shoots in early autumn[1].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Sol. ex Lamb.
Botanical References
1144200
Links / References
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