Bhutan cypress

Himalayan cypress

Himalayan cypress
By Manali-Leh Highway, Himachal Pradesh, India
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Pinophyta
Class:	Pinopsida
Order:	Cupressales
Family:	Cupressaceae
Genus:	Cupressus
Species:	C. torulosa
Binomial name
Cupressus torulosa D.Don ex Lamb.
Synonyms
Athrotaxis joucadan Carrière Cupressus balfouriana W.Bull Cupressus doniana Hook.f. Cupressus karnaliensis Silba Cupressus majestica Knight Cupressus nepalensis Loudon Cupressus tournefortii Ten. Thuja curviramea Miq.

In Botanical Garden of Valencia, Spain

Bhutan cypress, also known as the Himalayan cypress or (Cupressus torulosa), is a species of cypress tree native to the mountainous northern regions of the Indian subcontinent, in the western Himalayas.

• The Bhutan cypress (Cupressus torulosa) is the National tree, and is beloved by many Bhutanese. It is a sacred tree in many Bhutan's reservations. The evergreen conifer tree species is closely associated with Buddhism, the predominant religion in Bhutan. It is often planted around temples, monasteries, and Dzongs (Fortresses). The tree is linked to spiritual purity and resilience, symbolizing the noble character and spiritual aspirations of the Bhutanese people, because it is known for it's elegant, upright growth and longevity, even in harsh conditions. Therefore it is revered as a symbolic grace under pressure, spiritual strength and resilience, values that reflect Bhutanese national identity. Cypresses are often depicted in Bhutanese art and architecture, particularly the endemic species, including Thangka paintings, wood carvings and religious symbols. It's their very presence reinforces their symbolic role in Bhutanese heritage and tradition respectively.

• Buddhism

Cypress trees associated with various symbolic meanings and are sometimes even linked to enlightenment and Buddha's nature. They can represent resilience, enduring presence, and the potential for awakening, especially within the context of Zen Buddhism.

• Hinduism

Hinduism places a strong emphasis on the interconnectedness of all living things and the importance of nature. Trees, in general, are revered as sources of life and spiritual significance. The Mughals, who ruled much parts of the Indian subcontinent, adopted the cypress as a prominent motif in their gardens, known as Charbaghs, which were often laid out with walkways lined with cypress trees. Although it is not as central to Hindu symbolism as other sacred trees are like the Banyan, Peepal, or Tulsi (Holy basil).

Description

It is a medium to extremely large tree, typically growing up to 45 m (150 ft) in height.

Distribution

Cupressus torulosa is an evergreen conifer tree species found on limestone terrain in the western Himalaya at 300–2,800 m (1,000–9,200 ft). Information on its distribution further east is conflicting. It may occur in Vietnam. However, according to Conifers of Vietnam, only cultivated forms exist there.

External links

📰 Article(s) of the same category(ies)

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• ꠎꠟꠣꠟꠤ ꠇꠁꠔꠞ

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