Widdringtonia

Widdringtonia is a genus of coniferous trees in the Cupressaceae (cypress family). There are four species, all native to southern Africa.

They are large shrubs or trees, reaching 5-20 m tall (to 40 m in Widdringtonia whytei). The leaves are evergreen and scale-like, except on seedlings, which have needle-like leaves 1-1.5 cm long. The adult scale leaves are arranged in decussate opposite pairs in four rows along the twigs, while the juvenile needle leaves are arranged spirally.

The male cones are small, 3-6 mm long, and are located at the tips of the twigs. The female cones start out similarly inconspicuous, maturing in 18-20 months to 2-3 cm long and wide, globular to ovoid, with four, thick, woody scales, arranged in two opposite pairs. The cones mostly remain closed on the trees for many years, opening only after being scorched by a wildfire; this then releases the seeds to grow on the newly cleared burnt ground. In Widdringtonia whytei the cones open soon after maturity to shed the seed without fire; this species is more sensitive to fire and only grows in moister situations where it is protected from fire. The best adapted to fire is Widdringtonia nodiflora, which has the ability to re-grow from the roots, as well as by seed.


USES
The wood is light, soft and aromatic. It can be easily split and resists decay. It is used to make furniture, indoor and outdoor panelling, and fence posts. That of Widdringtonia whytei was particularly valuable as it was available in large sizes, but this species is now endangered and no longer cut to any extent.


Species
Widdringtonia cedarbergensis (Clanwilliam Cypress) is a species of Widdringtonia native to South Africa, where it is endemic to the Cederberg Mountains northeast of Cape Town in Western Cape Province. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Widdringtonia nodiflora (Mountain Cypress) is a species of Widdringtonia native to southern Africa, from southern Malawi, southern Mozambique, eastern Zimbabwe and eastern and southern South Africa. It is the only widespread species in its genus, and the only one not threatened or endangered.

Widdringtonia schwarzii (Willowmore Cypress or Willowmore Cedar) is a species of Widdringtonia native to South Africa, where it is endemic to the Baviaanskloof and Kouga Mountains west of Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape Province; it occurs on dry rocky slopes and crags at 600-1,200 m altitude. It is threatened by habitat loss, particularly by wildfire.

Widdringtonia whytei (Mulanje Cypress) is a species of Widdringtonia native to Malawi, where it is endemic to the Mulanje Massif at altitudes of 1,830-2,550 m. It has become endangered as a result of over-harvesting for its wood, and an increase in the frequency of wildfires due to human activity.

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