Cupressaceae

Cupressaceae is a family of coniferous trees and shrubs, including the cypresses, junipers, and redwoods, among others. They are commonly known as the cypress family. The family is monophyletic and is one of the most ancient lineages of conifers, with a fossil record dating back over 200 million years.

Description

Members of the Cupressaceae family are evergreen, with small scale-like leaves. The trees are monoecious, with both sexes present on the same plant. The male cones are small and often numerous, while the female cones are larger, with scales that are often woody and thick.

Distribution

The Cupressaceae family is widespread, with members found in a wide range of habitats across the globe. They are most commonly found in the Northern Hemisphere, but also occur in the Southern Hemisphere in areas such as Australia and South America.

Taxonomy

The family Cupressaceae includes about 30 genera and 130-140 species. The family has been divided into seven subfamilies: Athrotaxidoideae, Callitroideae, Cupressoideae, Cunninghamioideae, Sequoioideae, Taiwanioideae, and Taxodioideae.

Uses

Many species within the Cupressaceae family are of economic importance. Some are used for timber, while others are popular ornamental trees in horticulture. Several species are also used in traditional medicine.

Conservation

Several species within the Cupressaceae family are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and over-exploitation. Conservation efforts are underway to protect these species and their habitats.

See also

• Conifers
• Cypress
• Juniper
• Redwood

References

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