Evergreen cypress - what is it and how it looks
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Cypress (Cupressus sempervirens Pyramidalis or Stricta) from the Cypress family has an evergreen color. Biologists distinguish 25 species that prefer warm climates. It is resistant to pollution from dust and gas, for this reason it is often planted along the roads, forming a unique southern ensemble. It is easy to transplant in adulthood, cultivation is possible in pots and outdoors. What is cypress, you can find out in this article.
Evergreen cypress - what is it and how it looks
If you know what a cypress tree looks like, it is simply impossible to confuse it with other trees. Cypress is a tree found with a straight or curved trunk. In youth, the thin bark is light brown in color. As it matures, the bark turns gray-brown and furrows form on it.
Cypress along the southern roads
The branches have a skeletal shape, as they grow, they stretch upward, pressing against the trunk. Branched shoots are thin and soft. At the very beginning, young trees look like fluffy Christmas trees due to the needle-like shape of the leaves. Cypress leaves acquire a scale-like shape by the age of four.
Each leaf has an oily gland - a textured groove that differs in color. Thanks to her, the tree has a pleasant coniferous aroma. Scientists have found that it has medicinal properties, helps in the treatment of pulmonary diseases.
This kind of trees calmly endures drought, shade-tolerant. Will survive temperatures as low as -20 ° C. Soft needles make it possible for excellent crown shaping.
When transplanting an adult, it is important not to damage the fragile root system. It is recommended to do this together with an earthen lump. The roots must be protected and covered when the seedling is sold. Care is required in the form of top dressing.
The tree is spread by self-sowing. Faster and easier it is done at home, by cuttings. Cypress blooms in spring from March to May. The bright yellow color of the pollen of male shoots stains the crown in a dirty green color. In addition, it is considered a strong allergen, causing swelling of the mucous membranes.
Cypress furniture
Where does cypress grow
It is believed that the countries of the Mediterranean are the birthplace of cypress. Even in Ancient Greece and Rome, there were the first reports about the origin of the tree.
In Asia Minor and northern Iran, plants form dense forests. There are specimens in the Middle East that are about 2000 years old. Twice they tried to grow it in the Crimea region, the trees suffered from strong winds, often broke off because of this, but were able to take root. Often found in the Himalayas, China, California. In the north, it is grown in tubs.
Cypress - coniferous or deciduous tree
Translated from Latin, the word "Cupressus" means "immortal." The tree got this name because of its base, which does not rot. It is a mistake to think that all conifers have thorny needles. Classification is due to other characteristics, such as reproduction. The seeds are obtained from the cones.
Exact classification:
- kingdom - plants;
- department - conifers;
- class - conifers;
- order - pine;
- family - Cypress;
- genus - Cypress.
Cypress - gymnosperms
The peculiarity of the structure of gymnosperms is the absence of a shell, that is, a flower or a fruit. Basically, trees and shrubs, which remain evergreen, have such tripletism. The ovules are found inside the scaly leaves that form into bumps.
On the tree there are cones of both sexes at once - male and female. This means that the cypress tree genus is monoecious. Pollination takes place with the help of the wind. Cones ripen in the second year of life.
How much cypress grows
In the first three years of life, it grows most actively. Its height increases to two meters. For the first three to four years, it is important to fertilize the soil well so that the root system is properly formed. Watering is required on hot days. In subsequent years, it is added by half a meter, but by 50, growth slows down. The maximum height of a cypress is approximately 30-40 meters.
There are plants that in natural conditions managed to live for 1-2 thousand years, which differs significantly from domestic ones - up to three centuries.
Cypress cones
Is there a cypress shrub
The main part of cypress trees are tall slender trees, but there are also bushes. They are often confused with cypress, but in fact they are different plants. You can prove it just by looking closely.
Cypress - types and description
Biologists cannot come up with the total number of species. Basically, from 16 to 25 species are determined. Representatives of this genus are actively used by landscape designers for decoration. New Year's cypress greatly transforms the atmosphere in the house. Crohn is an excellent material for sculptures. They are used as hedges and artificial forest belts. There are those that can grow indoors. Trees can grow both outdoors and in a pot.
Evergreen cypress (Cupressus sempervirens)
Another name is Apollo. It is characterized by a crown that is pointed upwards. The shape becomes columnar with a round crown as the tree grows. Height is about 30 meters.
Arizona
He is lower than the previous one, patient with frost and more suited to sculpting. The large-fruited species has a powerful root system and grows the fastest. Suitable for planting near the coast, as it tolerates the wind normally.
Swamp cypress
Not quite common for this type of tree, it is deciduous. From here he got the nickname - bald. It lives in swampy areas. It has outgrowths from the root, pneumatophores that help breathe and appear with frequent flooding. The powerful trunk diameter sometimes reaches five meters. The height is also striking - up to 36 meters.
Swamp cypress
Cypress horizontal
This species has branches that extend from the trunk, forming a pyramid shape, it looks very impressive.
Cypress Govena
Low, up to 10 meters long. The branches are intertwined, forming a spherical shape. This species does not have resin secreting glands. The color of the needles is even, green, without a bluish tint.
Pyramidal cypress
The pyramidal has a pointed crown. With a close planting, the bases can grow together into a hedge. It is recommended not to plant trees too close, so that over the years they do not interfere with the circulation of oxygen around the trunk.
The maximum height of 30-40 meters will be reached by the age of 100, the trunk with age will turn brown with multiple cracks.
When buying a cutting, pay attention to the roots. The root system of the cypress is quite capricious, so it must be covered. Before planting, the roots should be placed in a special solution that promotes their development.
In adulthood, the root system develops into a powerful, but small. This is convenient when transplanting.
At the beginning of life, the leaves resemble spruce needles, but softer in texture, as they grow, they form into scales. You can't inject yourself with them. The needles are attached crosswise, forming an elongated rhombic shape.
Italian cypress
This type of cypress grows up to 25 meters in height and has a spreading crown. It needs to be planted in a sunny place, as it will grow more slowly in the shade. Moreover, it is frost-resistant.
This species does not tolerate waterlogging. To prevent this, the soil must be drained. It is recommended to dig it up so that there is enough oxygen in the soil. It is required to fertilize the land every two years.
Italian cypress
Evergreen cypress is a southern plant that loves warmth very much. Some representatives require planting in the shade, while others prefer light. The plant will universally fit into the landscape both in one quantity and in an ensemble with congeners. Will become a pearl of the garden due to the fact that it is easy to shape.
The cypress tree has medicinal properties and essential oils are widespread. The breed is valued in the wood processing industry on a par with walnut, it is not subject to decay. Cypress has been known since ancient times and is still popular today.
