Common Name:

General Information

Callitris sulcata is an evergreen tree with a much-branched crown; it can grow 5 - 15 metres tall. The bole is usually twisted[, ].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its wood. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Callitris sulcata is known from three locations (Tontouta, Dumbéa and Kombwi) and is undergoing a continuing decline in terms of the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals due to over exploitation and repeated burning. The woodland is prone to wild fires and disturbance. One site in the Comboui valley has been logged. Regeneration has also been noted as poor. No subpopulations are within protected areas. The plant is classified as 'Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Pacific - southeastern New Caledonia

Habitat

Occurs in dense forest at low- and mid-elevation, usually in river valleys[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Endangered
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position, growing well in sandy, well-drained soils[]. Grows well near the coast[]. Tolerant of saline soils and, when established, of drought[].
Plants are highly flammable and so should not be planted near buildings in areas prone to bush fires[].
Plants are adapted to growing in regions subject to periodic bush fires - the seed is usually only released after a fire, germinating rapidly to re-occupy the site[].
The wood has a strong scent of camphor[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Recent studies have shown that this species has an interesting potential as a source of natural bioactive substances[].

Other Uses

The quality of wood is exceptional, especially in terms of durability, resistance to rotting, the termites, the mould and the insects[]. Traditionally it was used in the construction of wooden houses. Posts are still recovered in old houses and used for new construction. Historically, the wood was used for railway sleepers. In 2001, in a traditional sacred place located in St Joseph de Borendi, a monument was built in memory of the renovation of the church, and six barked trunks of old seed bearing individuals were erected as a permanent symbol of the six clans of the local tribe united with the church[, ].
The wood of Callitris species generally makes an excellent fuel, burning well even when wet[, ].

Propagation

Seed -

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