NOMENCLATURE OF THE WEEPING HIMALAYAN CYPRESS
(CUPRESSUS, CUPRESSACEAE).
John Silba
Cupressus himalaica J. Silba, sp. nova.
Arbor 20-45 m. alta. Ramulis longe pendulis ramusculis confertis,
plane distichus, juvenilibus subcompressis adultis torulosis. Folia
polymorpha, glandulosa; juvenilia acuminata, squarrosa, glauca,
2-3 mm. longis, lateralia conduplicata mediana subcomplanata; adulta
convexa obtusa, apice adnata, 1-1.5 mm. longis. Flores masculi
3-5 mm. longis et 2-2.5 mm. latis, staminibus 14-18. Strobilis
ovulatis 12-20 mm. longis et 15-17 mm. latis, squamis 8-10.
Type: Bhutan, Norbding, below Pele La, 2250 m., Grierson & Long 1079
(Holo-E).
Paratypes: Bhutan, Dewangiri, Griffith 27 (K); Bhutan, Dukye Dzong,
N.W. of Paro, 2300 m., cult., Grierson & Long 234 (E); Bhutan,
Drug ye Dzon, Pao Chu, 2400 m., Cult., Ludlov, Sherriff & Hicks 16226
(E, BM); Bhutan, Mongar, 1800 m., Grierson & Long 1984 (E).
A graceful tree 20-45 m. tall. Branches drooping, divided into
long flattened chain-like segments. Foliage polymorphic, non-glandular;
juvenile acuminate, somewhat glaucous, 2-3 mm. long, free at the apex;
adult leaves bluntly acute, 1-1.5 mm. long, light or grassy green.
Male cones oblong-cylindric, 3-5 mm. long by 2-2.5 mm. wide with
14-18 scales. Female cones dark brown, subglobose, 12-20 mm. long
by 15-17 mm. wide, scales 8-10, umbos inconspicuous. Seeds with small
wings.
Cupressus himalaica grows as high as 3000 m. in its native habitat
in Bhutan.
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