Libocedrus

The species that made up the genus Libocedrus were divided by modern botanists into three separate genera: Libocedrus, which includes five species, Austrocedrus from one species, and Calocedrus, which includes three species. Libotsedrus is also called frankincense cedar. The only known species used for decorative purposes is Calocedrus decurrens. Although this name is more accurate, it is rather known as Libocedrus decurrens (Libocedrus decurrens), and in Italy it is common under the name "California cedar". Evergreen coniferous tree with a characteristic branched trunk, sometimes forked, covered with slightly peeling brownish-red bark. Branches are often deployed upwards. Flat branches of the second order are arranged fan-shaped, covered with scaly bright green leaves-needles. Two lateral scales cover the central one.  Blooming flowers in winter are unisexual: male-yellow, apical; female - inconspicuous, at first pale green, then ochreous and finally brownish. The fruits are egg-shaped brownish-yellow strobils (cones) - when ripe, they open and pour out seeds, up to 1.2 cm long, with cavities in the inner layer of the shell filled with balsamic resin. More common than the original species is the columnar variety "Elongated cone-shaped" with branches located perpendicular to the trunk.

The species that made up the genus Libocedrus were divided by modern botanists into three separate genera: Libocedrus, which includes five species, Austrocedrus from one species, and Calocedrus, which includes three species. Libotsedrus is also called frankincense cedar.

The only known species used for decorative purposes is Calocedrus decurrens. Although this name is more accurate, it is rather known as Libocedrus decurrens (Libocedrus decurrens), and in Italy it is common under the name "California cedar". Evergreen coniferous tree with a characteristic branched trunk, sometimes forked, covered with slightly peeling brownish-red bark. Branches are often deployed upwards. Flat branches of the second order are arranged fan-shaped, covered with scaly bright green leaves-needles. Two lateral scales cover the central one.  Blooming flowers in winter are unisexual: male-yellow, apical; female - inconspicuous, at first pale green, then ochreous and finally brownish. The fruits are egg-shaped brownish-yellow strobils (cones) - when ripe, they open and pour out seeds, up to 1.2 cm long, with cavities in the inner layer of the shell filled with balsamic resin. More common than the original species is the columnar variety "Elongated cone-shaped" with branches located perpendicular to the trunk.

Cultivation

Libocedruses are grown in the open ground in parks and gardens in single plantings. They are planted on a permanent planting site in October-November (if the winters are cold) or in March-April. There are no special requirements for the soil, although they prefer fertile, moist, well-drained land. Pruning is usually not necessary. In young plants with a bifurcated tip, it is recommended to remove the weaker ones.

Location

Libocedruses prefer a sunny, sheltered place from the wind.

Temperature

These plants are resistant to both high and low air temperatures.

Watering

Almost never required, only at an early stage of growth immediately after planting in the ground.

Reproduction

Sowing of seeds is carried out in October in the seed soil in a closed, unheated room. Next spring, the resulting plants are planted in new pots one at a time. After 2-3 years, they can be planted on a permanent landing site. In the "Elongated Cone-shaped" variety, which loses its maternal qualities when propagated by seeds, apical cuttings 10 cm long are taken at the end of summer and planted in a mixture of peat and sand (1:1). In the spring, after the formation of roots, seedlings are transplanted into pots. Finally planted in the ground in a year.

Diseases

Libocedruses practically do not suffer from diseases and pests. A field bacterium (Agrobacterium tumefaciens) can cause galls to form on the roots. But rust spots on the leaves are caused by the fungus Gymnosporangium libocedri (Gymnosporangium libocedri), but usually no intervention is required.

Acquisition

Libocedruses can be found in specialized nurseries and the most well-supplied gardening centers. It is recommended to purchase small plants, they are easier to plant in the ground, and they are easier to transfer.

Crown shape depending on the climate In cypress trees and, in particular, in the species Libocedrus low-lying, the shape of the crown depends on the weather and climatic conditions in which the crop is grown. If the climate is characterized by moderately hot or moderately dry summers and cold winters, the crown in most cases has the shape of an elongated cone. If the climate is characterized by cool, humid summers and milder winters (softened by warm sea currents), the crown is formed more sprawling.

Crown shape depending on the climate

In cypress trees and, in particular, in the species Libocedrus low-lying, the shape of the crown depends on the weather and climatic conditions in which the crop is grown. If the climate is characterized by moderately hot or moderately dry summers and cold winters, the crown in most cases has the shape of an elongated cone. If the climate is characterized by cool, humid summers and milder winters (softened by warm sea currents), the crown is formed more sprawling.