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Summary

Cupressus sempervirens, the Mediterranean cypress, Italian cypress, Tuscan cypress, or Persian cypress, is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae, a cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region and Iran. It is widespread throughout the Mediterranean basin and has become endemic in similar dry summer climates due to its ability to survive in both acidic and alkaline soils and withstand drought.
Cupressus sempervirens is important in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture; it has long been valued for its role in symbolism, various rituals, and folk medicine. In Iran it is both a sacred tree and a metaphor for "the graceful figure of the beloved". It is popular around the world as an ornamental tree and has been studied for possible medicinal properties.
In Israel, vestiges of wild specimens can be found but the majority of Mediterranean cypress trees are the result of intentional reforestation on the behalf of the JNF, and are common at cemeteries, parks, and within wooded areas.

Description

Cupressus sempervirens is a medium-sized coniferous tree growing up to 35 m (115 ft) tall, with a conic crown with level branches and variably loosely hanging branchlets. It is very long-lived, with some trees reported to be over 1,000 years old.

Cupressis sempervirens produces lateral shoots, or branches, which often grow upwards towards a light source. The foliage grows in dense, dark green sprays. The leaves are scale-like, 2–5 mm long, and produced on rounded (not flattened) shoots. The seed cones are ovoid or oblong and 25–40 mm long. The cones have 10–14 scales, which are green at first and mature to brown about 20–24 months after pollination. The male cones are 3–5 mm long and release highly allergenic pollen in late winter. The cones of C. sempervirens can withstand years of being sealed and are known to perform serotiny. The tree is moderately susceptible to cypress canker, caused by the fungus Seiridium cardinale,...