Classification
Class
Pinopsida
Order
Pinales Gorozh.
 Subordinate Taxa
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Cupressaceae Gray
Synonymy:
  • = Taxodiaceae Saporta
 Description

Evergreen, ± resinous, trees and shrubs, monoecious or dioecious.  Winter buds naked.  Lvs usually opposite or whorled, rarely alternate, usually scale-like, decurrent and hiding the stem, needle-like when young, sometimes this juvenile form persisting.  Cones of opposite or whorled scales, terminal or axillary.  ♂ strobili (cones) with 3–5 pollen sacs (microsporangia) on lower surface of each scale.  ♀ cones with 2-numerous, erect ovules on upper surface of the ovuliferous scales (megasporophylls).  Bract completely united with scale.  Fr. usually a woody cone, more rarely the scales becoming fleshy and coalescent.  Seeds winged or not;  cotyledons 2–6.

[From:  Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Number of species in New Zealand within Cupressaceae Gray
CategoryNumber
Indigenous (Endemic)2
Exotic: Fully Naturalised7
Exotic: Casual8
Total17
 Bibliography
Connor, H.E. 1977: The Poisonous Plants in New Zealand. Edition 2. Government Printer, Wellington.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.