M21: Arizona cypress, Cupressus arizonica var glabra

This cypress, Cupressus arizonica var. glabra, is a native of the South Western United States and was first introduced in 1907, It grows to 10–25 m with a grey, scaly bark.  The crown is rounded-conic and the branches typically upswept. The leaves are small and scale-like and the branchlets are 3-dimensional, not flattened like Lawsons Cypress. It is one of many plants that colonises after fire. The cones are globose, 15-50 mm, and remain closed until fire breaks them open and the parent is killed. It is often found in small, scattered populations, not necessarily in large forests.