CUPRESSACEAE

A. a. subsp. anthoclada

Tree to 20 m high, single trunk, bluish-grey foliage, rough, deeply furrowed bark. Hardy, young plants sensitive to fire, older trees more tolerant. Slow to mature, long-lived.

Sandy soils, isolated to extensive forests, mainly inland. Prefers well-drained soil, tolerates extended dry periods and frost. Prefers 300 – 500 mm rainfall in the Riverina.

Collect late Nov-late Apr, seeds released 3-8 weeks after maturity. Collect cones with secateurs, refrigerate seeds. Propagate from seed (±20 viable/gram), sow around Sep for autumn planting or summer for following autumn. Cover with 5 mm potting mix. Can stratify seeds in freezer for 2 weeks before sowing. Regenerates from seed, fencing required to protect seedlings from livestock and rabbits.

Long-lived, medium-level windbreak cover, shelter to ground level. Important habitat for birds, especially when co-occurring with Bulloak and Grey Box. Thick bark supports insects, food source for birds. Good fuelwood, splits easily, fragrant when burned. Timber valued for decay and termite resistance, used for building, fencing, poles, and beehives. First Nations used resin as adhesive and wood for tools, leaves for medicinal purposes. Ornamental for parks, gardens, avenues, and tubs. Pollen benefits bees.