Widdringtonia wallichii

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Widdringtonia wallichii
Widdringtonia wallichii00.jpg
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Pinophyta
Class: Pinopsida
Order: Cupressales
Family: Cupressaceae
Genus: Widdringtonia
Species:
W. wallichii
Binomial name
Widdringtonia wallichii
Synonyms [2]
  • Callitris arboreaSchrad. ex D.E.Hutchins
  • Widdringtonia cedarbergensisJ.A.Marsh nom. illeg.
  • Widdringtonia wallichianaGordon nom. inval.

Widdringtonia wallichii, Clanwilliam cedar or Clanwilliam cypress, previously Widdringtonia cedarbergensis [3] [4] is a species of Widdringtonia native to South Africa, where it is endemic to the Cederberg Mountains northeast of Cape Town in Western Cape Province. Due to harsh weather conditions, like limited rainfall and frequent wildfires, growth is limited. [5] Ring width almost correlates with rainfall due to such harsh environmental conditions [5] It is threatened by habitat loss [6] [7] [8] and protected in South Africa under the National Forest Act (Act 84) of 1998. [9]

Contents

It is a small evergreen tree growing to 5–7 m (rarely to 20 m) tall. The leaves are scale-like, 1.5 mm long and 1 mm broad on small shoots, up to 15 mm long on strong-growing shoots, and arranged in opposite decussate pairs. The cones are globose to rectangular, 2–3 cm long, with four scales. [6]

Chemical constituents

W. wallichii is used in a cedarwood oil with multiple uses such as in Texas, it used as feedstock and in Virginia it is used for cosmetics like perfumes, aftershave lotions, and soaps. [10] Cedarwood oil is also used in home remedies [10] .The essential oil derived from leaves contains terpinen-4-ol (36.0%), sabinene (19.2%), γ-terpinene (10.4%), α-terpinene (5.5%) and myrcene (5.5%). [10] The wood oil contains thujopsene (47.1%), α-cedrol (10.7%), widdrol (8.5%) and cuparene (4.0%). [10]

Conservation of species

W. wallichii is an endangered species facing population decline. Reasons for such declines are habitat loss and inbreeding within populations. Habitat loss due to harsh environmental conditions. Wildfires occur in the area causing W. wallichii mature trees to die frequently. [11] W. wallichii growth rate is slower compared to their counterparts which is a factor in population decline of the species. [11] Genetically, there are some hypotheses on why W. wallichii is not as fire resistant as some of the other within the genus and one of them is heavy logging. [11] Heavy logging the current population is subjected to causes a fragmentation within the structure and heavy selection within the leftover mature trees within the population structure. [11] Another hypothesis is that current selection for the mature trees is poorly adapted to fire intensive environments causing lack of genetic variation within the gene pool and heavy selection for those traits occurs. [11] Upon further observations, it is not the mature trees themselves that are not fire resistant but their seed recruitment and lack of. [12]

Inbreeding within the population of W. wallichii due to self pollination because of lack of movement of pollen which further fragments the population. [11] Seed dispersal is difficult which limits the success of fertilization in W. wallichii. [13] The seeds are left under the canopy of mature trees and waiting for the winds and runoff water. [13] Other modes of dispersal like small animals are not likely to assist in the process of larger seeds. [13] There is no dormancy period of the seeds after dispersal which leaves them vulnerable and sometimes unviable. [13]

Methods of conservation

One of the methods of population growth and conservation of W. wallichii is use of fire. Using calculated levels of fire during natural seed release which occurs in late summer and beginning autumn will assist in reduction of litter affecting seed dispersal. [14] Litter during these periods inhibits the success of seed dispersal by blocking the seeds' movements of the winds and access to the runoff water. Their regeneration due to lack of seed dispersal from the blockage of litter and otherwise stated is inhibited as well. [14]

Another method is replantation of seedlings in newly burned areas of W. wallichii. Replanting seedlings in newly burned areas suggests when closely monitored and provided necessary components such as shade, soil, and competition from surrounding seedlings, they are successful in regrowth than seedlings planted prior. [15] Also using pre heated seeds in previously burnt areas from wildfires increases success of growth. [12]


Related Research Articles

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Cedrus, with the common English name cedar, is a genus of coniferous trees in the plant family Pinaceae. They are native to the mountains of the western Himalayas and the Mediterranean region, occurring at altitudes of 1,500–3,200 m (4,900–10,500 ft) in the Himalayas and 1,000–2,200 m (3,300–7,200 ft) in the Mediterranean.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Conifer</span> Group of cone-bearing seed plants

Conifers are a group of cone-bearing seed plants, a subset of gymnosperms. Scientifically, they make up the division Pinophyta, also known as Coniferophyta or Coniferae. The division contains a single extant class, Pinopsida. All extant conifers are perennial woody plants with secondary growth. The great majority are trees, though a few are shrubs. Examples include cedars, Douglas-firs, cypresses, firs, junipers, kauri, larches, pines, hemlocks, redwoods, spruces, and yews. As of 2002, Pinophyta contained seven families, 60 to 65 genera, and more than 600 living species.

<i>Thuja</i> Genus of conifers

Thuja is a genus of coniferous tree or shrub in the Cupressaceae. There are five species in the genus, two native to North America and three native to eastern Asia. The genus is monophyletic and sister to Thujopsis. Members are commonly known as arborvitaes, thujas or cedars.

Cypress is a common name for various coniferous trees or shrubs from the Cupressus genus of the Cupressaceae family, typically found in warm-temperate and subtropical regions of Asia, Europe, and North America.

<i>Chamaecyparis thyoides</i> Species of plant

Chamaecyparis thyoides, a species of Cupressaceae, is native to the Atlantic coast of North America and is found from southern Maine to Georgia and along the Gulf of Mexico coast from Florida to Mississippi. It is one of two species of Chamaecyparis found in North America. C. thyoides resides on the East Coast and C. lawsoniana can be found on the West Coast. There are two geographically isolated subspecies, treated by some botanists as distinct species, by others at just varietal rank: Chamaecyparis thyoides thyoides and Chamaecyparis thyoides henryae (H.L.Li) E.Murray The species grows in forested wetlands where they tend to dominate the canopy. The trees are associated with a wide variety of other wetland species because of their wide north-south range. The remaining populations are now found mostly in remote locations that would be difficult to harvest, so its popularity as a source of lumber has decreased.

<i>Juniperus ashei</i> Species of conifer

Juniperus ashei is a drought-tolerant evergreen tree, native from northeastern Mexico and the south-central United States to southern Missouri. The largest areas are in central Texas, where extensive stands occur. Ashe juniper grows up to 10 metres tall, and over time can reach 15 m (49 ft), and provides erosion control and year-round shade for wildlife and livestock.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cederberg</span> Mountain range in Western Cape, South Africa

The Cederberg mountains are located near Clanwilliam, approximately 300 km north of Cape Town, South Africa at about 32°30′S19°0′E. The mountain range is named after the endangered Clanwilliam cedar, which is a tree endemic to the area. The mountains are noted for dramatic rock formations and San rock art. The Cederberg Wilderness Area is administered by CapeNature.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mulanje Massif</span> Mountain in Malawi

The Mulanje Massif, also known as Mount Mulanje, is a large inselberg in southern Malawi. Sapitwa Peak, the highest point on the massif at 3,002 m, is the highest point in Malawi. It lies 65 km east of Blantyre, rising sharply from the surrounding plains of Phalombe and the Mulanje district. It forms part of a proposed ecoregion, to be called the South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA).

<i>Pinus pinaster</i> Species of plant

Pinus pinaster, the maritime pine or cluster pine, is a pine native to the south Atlantic Europe region and parts of the western Mediterranean. It is a hard, fast growing pine bearing small seeds with large wings.

<i>Widdringtonia</i> Genus of conifers

Widdringtonia is a genus of coniferous trees in the Cupressaceae. The name was Austrian botanist Stephan Endlicher's way of honouring an early expert on the coniferous forests of Spain, Capt. Samuel Edward Widdrington (1787–1856). There are four species, all native to southern Africa, where they are known as cedars or African cypresses.

<i>Actinostrobus pyramidalis</i> Species of conifer

Actinostrobus pyramidalis, commonly known as swamp cypress, Swan River cypress and King George's cypress pine, is a species of coniferous tree in the Cupressaceae. Like the other species in the genus Actinostrobus, it is endemic to southwestern Western Australia.

<i>Juniperus thurifera</i> Species of conifer

Juniperus thurifera is a species of juniper native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean region, from southern France across eastern and central Spain to Morocco and locally in northern Algeria.

<i>Hesperocyparis lusitanica</i> Central American and Mexican species of western cypress

Hesperocyparis lusitanica, the Mexican cypress, cedar-of-Goa or Goa cedar, is a species of cypress native to Mexico and Central America. It has also been introduced to Belize, Costa Rica and Nicaragua, growing at 1,200–3,000 metres (3,900–9,800 ft) altitude.

<i>Hesperocyparis sargentii</i> Californian species of western cypress tree

Hesperocyparis sargentii is a species of conifer in the family Cupressaceae known by the common name Sargent's cypress. It is endemic to California, where it is known from Mendocino County southwards to Santa Barbara County. This taxon is limited to the Coast Range mountains. It grows in forests with other conifers, as well as chaparral and other local mountain habitat, usually in pure stands on serpentine soils. It generally grows 10 to 15 meters tall, but it is known to exceed 22 meters. On Carson Ridge in Marin County, as well as Hood Mountain in Sonoma County, the species comprises a pygmy forest of trees which do not attain heights greater than 240–360 cm due to high mineral concentrations in the serpentine soil.

<i>Widdringtonia schwarzii</i> Species of conifer endemic to South Africa

Widdringtonia schwarzii is a species of Widdringtonia native to South Africa, where it is endemic to the Baviaanskloof and Kouga Mountains west of Port Elizabeth in Eastern Cape Province; it occurs on dry rocky slopes and crags at 600–1,200 m altitude. It is threatened by habitat loss, particularly by wildfire. The Willowmore cypress is a protected tree in South Africa.

<i>Widdringtonia whytei</i> Species of conifer

Widdringtonia whytei, the Mulanje cedar or Mulanje cypress, is a species of conifer native to Malawi, where it is endemic to the Mulanje Massif at altitudes of 1,830–2,550 m. It has become endangered as a result of over-harvesting for its wood, and an increase in the frequency of wildfires due to human activity.

<i>Aloe comosa</i> Species of plant in the family Asphodelaceae

Aloe comosa is a species of flowering plant in the Asphodelaceae family. It is commonly called Clanwilliam aloe) and is endemic to South Africa.

<i>Widdringtonia nodiflora</i> Species of conifer

Widdringtonia nodiflora is a species of Widdringtonia native to Southern Africa. It usually grows at high altitudes, typically among rocks on mountainsides. Its foliage and wood are highly flammable while its natural habitat is prone to fire. To compensate, the species will coppice from its roots after being burnt down.

Wallichii, a specific epithet honouring Danish botanist Nathaniel Wallich, may refer to:

References

  1. Farjon, A.; February, E.; Higgins, S.; Fox, S. & Raimondo, D. (2013). "Widdringtonia cedarbergensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T30365A2793077. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T30365A2793077.en .
  2. The Plant List: A Working List of All Plant Species , retrieved 14 May 2017
  3. "Widdringtonia cedarbergensis". PlantZAfrica.com. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  4. University of the Witwatersrand: Recommended English names for trees of Southern Africa
  5. 1 2 February, E. C; Stock, W. D (June 1998). "The relationship between ring width measures and precipitation for Widdringtonia cedarbergensis". South African Journal of Botany. 64 (3): 213–216.
  6. 1 2 Farjon, A. (2005). Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN   1-84246-068-4
  7. Farjon, A.; February, E.; Higgins, S.; Fox, S.; Raimondo, D. (2013). "Widdringtonia cedarbergensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2013: e.T30365A2793077. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T30365A2793077.en . Retrieved 16 November 2021.
  8. Pauw, C. A. & Linder, H. P. 1997. Widdringtonia systematics, ecology and conservation status. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 123: 297-319.
  9. "Protected Trees" (PDF). Department of Water Affairs and Forestry, Republic of South Africa. 30 June 2013.
  10. 1 2 3 4 Kamatou, G.P.P.; Viljoen, A.M.; Özek, T.; Başer, K.H.C. (2010). "Chemical composition of the wood and leaf oils from the "Clanwilliam Cedar" (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis J.A. Marsh): A critically endangered species". South African Journal of Botany. 76 (4): 652. doi: 10.1016/j.sajb.2010.04.002 .
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Thomas, Janet C; Bond, William J (June 1997). "Genetic variation in an endangered cedar (Widdringtonia cedarbergnesis) versus two congeneric species". South African Journal of Botany. 63 (3): 133–140.
  12. 1 2 White, J.D.M; Stevens, M; Berndt, J; Coetzee, B.W.T; Massad, T.J; Nupen, L.J; Tye, D; Midgley, J.J (September 2020). "Understanding recruitment limitations in a critically endangered species: The story of the iconic Cape cedar (Widdringtonia wallichii)". Global Ecology and Conservation. 23.
  13. 1 2 3 4 Manders, P.T (October 1987). "Is there allelopathic self-inhibition of generative regeneration within Widdringtonia cedarbergensis stands?". South African Journal of Botany. 53 (5): 408–410.
  14. 1 2 Manders, P.T (July 1987). "A transition matrix model of the population dynamics of the Clanwilliam cedar (Widdringtonia cedarbergensis) in natural stands subject to fire". Forest Ecology and Management. 20 (1–2): 171–186.
  15. Mustart, Penny; Juritz, June; Makua, Cecilia; Van der Merwe, S.W; Wessels, Nigel (1995). "Restoration of the Clanwilliam cedar Widdringtonia cedarbergensis: The importance of monitoring seedlings planted in the Cederberg, South Africa". Biological Conservation. 72 (1): 73–76.