![Director of National Parks [logo]](/images/dnp_90px.gif)
|
|
|
Botanical name. Callitris comes from two Greek words kalli= beautiful, and treis= three, referring to the arrangement of leaves in threes. The species name rhomboidea refers to the rhomboidal shape of the cone scales.
Habitat.
These trees grow in woodlands, on the coast and on the tablelands and are
widespread but not common.
Features. The Port Jackson Pine grows up to 15 m. The male and
female cones are found on the same tree. These trees are fast growing,
taking only 5 years to reach maturity.
European
use. Cypress pines such as the Port Jackson Pine have timber which is resistant
to termite attack. The timber is used locally for buildings and poles.
Aboriginal use. Resin from Callitris trees has been used as an adhesive by Aboriginal people in some parts of Australia to attach spearheads to spears.
