Cupressus atlantica (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Position: Full sun
Flowering period: Spring
Soil: Moist, well drained
Eventual Height: 35m
Eventual Spread: 10m
Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
Family: Cupressaceae
Cupressus atlantica Leaf (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Cupressus atlantica is an upright evergreen conifer tree with a conical habit. Its blue/ green leaves are scales and up to 1mm long. Its trunk may achieve a diameter of up to 2m. Its grey/ brown bark has longitudinal fissures. Its yellow monoecious flowers are in the form of pollen cones, terminal, up to 6mm long and 3mm across. Its grey/ brown fruit cones are up to 2.5cm across.
Cupressus atlantica, commonly known as Moroccan Cypress, is native to the High Atlas mountains in Morocco. This tree is under threat in its native habitat due to habitat degradation. Cupressus atlantica is synonymous with Cupressus dupreziana var. atlantica.
Cupressus atlantica Cones (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
The etymological root of the binomial name Cupressus is derived from the old Latin name for ‘Italian cypress’. Atlantica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from the Atlas mountains’ in Morocco.
Although the distribution of this tree at present is extremely limited the landscape architect may find Cupressus atlantica useful as an upright conifer tree. Once established this tree is drought tolerant.
Cupressus atlantica Bark (01/03/2015, Kew Gardens, London)
Ecologically, Cupressus atlantica is of little wildlife benefit in the UK.
Cupressus atlantica prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate wet soils.
Cupressus atlantica requires little maintenance.
