Alerce, Patagonian cypress
Fitzroya cupressoides

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

Fitzroya cupressoides is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8. It is in leaf all year, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Usually found in boggy ground up to 800 metres, though it is also found at higher and cooler altitudes that have high atmospheric humidity, it is then usually associated with Nothofagus dombeyi.

S. America - Chile, Argentina.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 0

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A fibre obtained from the inner bark is used for caulking boats. Wood - light, very durable, immune to insect attacks, of excellent quality. It is used for construction, carpentry, musical instruments etc.

Fibre: Used for making cloth, rope, paper etc.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

This species dislikes soils that dry out rapidly, preferring an acid soil with a pH around 5. It grows best in humid conditions, especially on north facing slopes or in the shelter of a woodland edge. It dislikes cold drying winds. A very ornamental tree, it is much hardier in Britain than was once thought. Generally a very slow growing tree in Britain but young plants can grow 30cm a year and growth can continue until October. A very slow growing and long-lived tree in its native habitat, probably to 3000 years or more, but trees are unlikely to survive that long in Britain. Plants grow best in the mild and damp maritime climate of south-west and west Britain. Plants can be monoecious or dioecious, though they are more often dioecious. Male and female plants must be grown if seed is to be produced, though there is a report that trees rarely produce fertile seed in Britain..

Propagating it: Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in early spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Once they have reached a height of at least 30cm, plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings, August, in a sandy soil in a frame.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 7-10

Growth: Slow

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. patagonica. Pinus cupressoides.