Cupressus sempervirens L.
Cypress
Scientific name: Cupressus sempervirens L.
Family: Cupressaceae
Origin: Mediterranean
Year planted: Beginnings of the garden, before 1930
Flowering: January – February
Cupressus sempervirens L.
Description
The cypress is a tall and slender tree that can reach up to 25 meters. It has very small leaves with scales that are dark green in color and have a strong odor.
The flowers are small and are born in groups (inflorescence). The same tree can have male and female inflorescences.
The male ones are cone-shaped and yellow in color; and the female ones are gray-green. The fruit is globe-shaped and dark brown.
Marimurtra’s specimens
In Marimurtra you will find cypresses throughout the garden. The largest is found next to the old laboratories and measures 13 meters. It is not known in what year it was planted, but based on its measurements it is estimated that it was when the garden was built.
You will also find some very nice specimens in the Linné temple. For example, those that are planted in a row on both sides of the path.
Did you know…?
In the Mediterranean countries they were widely used in houses and cemeteries. They were planted at the entrance of the houses as advertisements for travellers:
- 1 cypress meant that the farmhouse offered drinks
- 2 cypresses meant it offered drinks and food
- 3 that they could also sleep.
In counties such as Empordà, cypresses are planted in a row next to houses to protect themselves from the Tramuntana.
They are also often planted in cemeteries. This was a Roman custom to help souls go to heaven.
Threat level (UICN)
Main uses
