Seeds of the native cypress tree (Cupressus)

Common name: Local Cypress Scientific name: Cupressus Other names: Cypress Evergreen tree ranging in height from 5 to 40 meters, belonging to the cypress genus, part of the Cupressaceae family. It has dense, small, dark green-gray leaves, with a straight trunk and dense, upright branches. The bark is striped and turns gray when the tree matures. Flowers of the local cypress tree: Its flowers are pale yellow with a pleasant scent, blooming from March to May. Fruits and seeds of the local cypress tree: The small cone-shaped fruits are between 2.5 cm and 4 cm in size, containing seeds inside. The seeds are small, winged, with small scale-like leaves. Season for propagating the local cypress tree: The suitable time for planting with cuttings and seeds is in spring and autumn. The appropriate time to transplant the cypress from a pot to another or into sustainable soil is during dormancy, i.e., in December and January. It can also be cultivated from seeds throughout the year in agricultural nurseries and enclosed or plastic-covered areas where temperature and sunlight can be controlled, or where adequate lighting for the plant is available. Suitable climate and soil for the local cypress tree: Prefers a moderate climate, tolerates drought, frost, and high temperatures. It grows in all well-drained soil types, as planting prevents soil erosion. Method of cultivating the local cypress tree: The cypress propagates through two methods: - Seeds: Collected from cones before they open (from good trees) in autumn, dried, and stored in cool, dry places. - Cuttings. Its benefits and uses: Planted for decoration in gardens and roadsides, its branches contain essential oil. It is also used as high fences or windbreaks, and planted along streets and highways. Original habitat of the local cypress tree: Mediterranean basin countries.