Callitris endlicheri, commonly known as the black cypress pine, is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae that is native to eastern Australia.

Distribution and habitat

C. endlicheri is widespread in eastern Australia along the Great Dividing Range and can be found in Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria at elevations of 350-1100 m. It commonly grows on rocky hills and ridges and can be found in dry sclerophyll woodlands and shrublands.

Description

Callitris endlicheri is an evergreen tree growing 5-15 m tall with tough, furrowed bark. The branches may be erect or spreading with keeled green leaves measuring 2-4 mm long. This species is monoecious, with female cones occurring solitarily or in clusters on slender fruiting branchlets. The cones are smooth, almost spherical, measuring 15-20 mm in diameter and containing a number of sticky seeds coated in resin. Cones may persist on the tree for a number of years.

Uses

The Wiradjuri people of New South Wales, who refer to this species as kara, use the trunks of young trees to make spears, the wood and dry needles as kindling, and the resinous sap as a glue and medicine. It is sometimes logged for commercial purposes.

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