Cypress family, Cupressaceae
Origin: south-eastern China
Habitat in the original area: mountains at the altitude from 400 to 2,000 metres above sea level
Habitus: A deciduous tree with the usual height of 15 metres. In its natural range, it can reach a height of up to 35 metres. The branches grow already in the lower part of the trunk. The crown has a conical shape. The bark of the trunk is light brown and peels off in stripes.
Leaf: The leaves are reduced to fine, light green needles that grow opposite each other
Bloom, fruit: In autumn, woody cones appear on the trees which contain winged seeds.
Interesting fact: Since this species was known for a long time only from fossil findings, it is also known as a “living fossil”. However, botanists have discovered living individuals in China. Dawn Redwood does not grow naturally anywhere else in the world, which is why it is a Chinese endemic.
