Contents
Generality
Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa, although some class it today as a member of the genus Callitropsis) is an evergreen conifer in the family Cupressaceae that has a narrow, pyramidal habit when young and tends to widen with age, becoming even more picturesque and attractive. how exposed the living conditions are, especially to high winds, with horizontal ramifications at the steps that together bring to life an umbrella-like crown. It reaches a maximum of 40 m in height although it usually perches on 27, the trunk leans and knots over time, with a maximum diameter of 2.5 m. The bark is pale, furrowed vertically. The leaves are reduced to flakes that surround the twigs, they have a bright green color and when rubbed they give off a pleasant lemon smell. Flowering occurs in late winter, with the male microsporophylls forming yellow terminal cones 3–5 mm long and the female macrosporophylls forming globose cones 2–4 cm long composed of 6–14 green scales. Fertilized cones mature in about two years to form single or paired dark brown pods that remain closed on the tree for years. They often only open as a result of the heat radiation from a strong fire, thus dispersing the seeds which germinate quickly in the fertile bed of ashes and in optimal conditions of solar radiation. It grows quite fast, one meter per year at first, and even in old age it climbs 5 cm per year. Female macrosporophylls 3 to 5 mm long forming globose cones 2 to 4 cm long composed of 6 to 14 green scales. Fertilized cones mature in about two years to form single or paired dark brown pods that remain closed on the tree for years. They often only open as a result of the heat radiation from a strong fire, thus dispersing the seeds which germinate quickly in the fertile bed of ashes and in optimal conditions of solar radiation. It grows quite fast, one meter per year at first, and even in old age it climbs 5 cm per year. Female macrosporophylls 3 to 5 mm long forming globose cones 2 to 4 cm long composed of 6 to 14 green scales. Fertilized cones mature in about two years to form single or paired dark brown pods that remain closed on the tree for years. They often only open after the heat radiation from a violent fire, thus dispersing the seeds which germinate quickly in the fertile bed of ashes and in optimal conditions of solar radiation. It grows quite fast, one meter per year at first, and even in old age it climbs 5 cm per year. thus dispersing the seeds which germinate quickly on the fertile bed of ashes and in optimal conditions of solar radiation. It grows quite fast, one meter per year at first, and even in old age it climbs 5 cm per year. thus dispersing the seeds which germinate quickly on the fertile bed of ashes and in optimal conditions of solar radiation. It grows quite fast, one meter per year at first, and even in old age it climbs 5 cm per year.
Climate and terrain
The Monterey cypress was introduced to our peninsula for ornamental purposes and as a wood species, but it has become naturalized in Umbria. In its natural environment, it lives in coastal environments and in conditions exposed to strong winds and brackish air, with cool and humid summers due to the mist coming from the sea, or in environments further away from the sea. sea and sheltered, where it assumes an erection. form. It adapts to a wide variety of soil pH and grain size conditions, requiring only that it be well-drained and will tolerate even very poor substrates. It tolerates intense heat and drought very well and requires full sun, although the excessive scarcity of water is prolonged for too many consecutive seasons, exposing it to insect attack. It is resistant to winds, but to withstand them it does not need too shallow soils, otherwise it cannot be anchored as much as necessary. Like all species tolerant to heat and aridity, it is not a completely hardy species, especially when young, arriving only well rooted to withstand winters with temperatures of -10°C.
Plant and cultivation techniques.
Monterey cypress propagates by seed in late winter, barely covering the seedbed and possibly subjecting the seeds to cold stratification three weeks prior. Care should be taken with watering as the seeds rot very easily. Germination takes 1 to 2 months at 20°C. As soon as the seedlings can be handled, they should be transplanted, followed by a full growing season and all the following winter in a cold greenhouse. Sowing can take place in late spring or early summer. It must be taken into account that the Monterey cypress does not tolerate transplants well, since its root system is very affected by any alteration. Alternatively, cuttings of almost mature wood can be taken in September and then stored in a frost-free place or in April-May. Due to its characteristics, Monterey Cypress is suitable for a variety of uses. In sheltered positions it can be a prominent element that gives vertical impetus to large gardens, perhaps as an evergreen background for borders or avenues, or to emphasize the geometries of formal spaces. The potato according to topiary art is suitable for small modern and designer gardens, next to boxwood or in pots on terraces with Mediterranean flavours. It can even be grown in a half-arch shape so that two trees of the same age form a complete tree, although other trees or shrubs perform this function better. For those lucky enough to have a garden in coastal areas, better if blown away by high winds, Monterey cypress can be left free to grow as it sees fit.
Raised in less than ideal conditions, it becomes susceptible to Seridium cardinale which causes cypress canker.