2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Weeping cypress (Latin Cupressus funebris) - one of the species of conifers of the genus Cypress (Latin Cupressus), which is part of the Cypress family (Latin Cupressaceae). Weeping cypress is native to the southwestern and central parts of China. Also found in the wild in Vietnam. The mournfully drooping branches of the plant gave rise to the popular name "Funeral cypress".
What's in your name
The first word of the name is repeated in every plant species included in the Cypress genus.
The specific Latin name "funebris" (weeping) reflects the appearance of its branches drooping to the surface of the earth, which seem to mourn the frailty of life. In addition to the name "Funeral cypress", there are others, for example, "Chinese weeping cypress".
Description
Weeping cypress is a medium-sized coniferous tree that grows to a height of 20 to 35 meters.
Very thin, slightly compressed shoots, covered with a dense carpet of scaly leaves, look like bright green suspended spray. At the age of 5 to 10 years, the trees are considered young. They have soft needle-like leaves 0.3 to 0.8 centimeters long. The scale-like leaves of older plants range in length from 0.1 to 0.5 centimeters. Shredded foliage smells like cut grass.
Weeping cypress blooms from April to May. The plant was created by nature as a monoecious, that is, both female and male flowers are located on the same tree. Pollination takes place with the help of the wind.
Seed cones of a spherical shape grow in length from 0.8 to 1.5 centimeters and have from 6 to 10 (most often - 8) protective scales. Seed cones take two years from pollination to full maturity. During this period, they turn from green to dark brown. When fully ripe, the scales open up to shed seeds into fertile soil. But it so happens that the cones can remain on branches with closed scales for several years. And only a wild fire rushing through the plantings, taking away the lives of many plants, provokes the opening of the cones to scatter the seeds into the soil covered with ash from the fire. Seeds sprout in the wounded earth, and shoots quickly rush to the heavens to restore the destroyed natural harmony.
Healing abilities
Local folk healers use the leaves of Cypress weeping in the treatment of bleeding wounds, with excessive menstrual bleeding.
Colds are treated with a decoction of fruiting branches.
When self-medication with any plants, including the treatment of Weeping Cypress, experts recommend consulting a professional in order to avoid adverse consequences.
Other uses
The white wood of the Weeping Cypress is tough and durable. It is used for the construction of houses and wooden structures. In addition, tools for agricultural work are made from it.
Growing
For the successful development and growth of the Weeping Cypress, they choose a sunny place, since in the shade the plant refuses to surprise fans with its mournful beauty.
The soil for the tree needs moist, well-drained, or dry. It can be loamy or peaty soils, and the plant also tolerates poor sandy soils. True, during prolonged drought, Cypress weeping, growing on poor sandy soils, is less resistant to insect pests.
The soft branches of the tree are easily injured by gusts of wind, so it is advisable to choose a landing site that is protected from the prevailing wind direction in the area.
Weeping cypress is propagated by seeds or spring cuttings harvested in May or April. For seeds to germinate in the soil, an air temperature of plus 20 degrees Celsius and 1 or 2 months is required.
Young seedlings are watered with great care, as they tend to damp off.
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