TETRACLINIS

'''Tetraclinis''' is a distinct genus of evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family Cupressaceae, containing only one species, '''Tetraclinis articulata''', also known as 'Sandarac'. It is native to northwestern Africa in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with two small outlying populations on Malta, and near Cartagena in southeast Spain. It grows at relatively low altitudes in a hot, dry subtropical Mediterranean climate.

Its closest relatives are ''Platycladus, Microbiota'' and ''Calocedrus'', with the closest resemblance to the latter. In older texts, it was sometimes treated in ''Thuja'' or ''Callitris'', but it is less closely related to those genera.
It is a small, slow-growing tree, to 10-15 m tall and 0.4 m trunk diameter. The foliage forms in open sprays with scale-like leaves 1-5 mm long. The cones are 10-15 mm long, green ripening brown in about 8 months from pollination, and have four thick scales arranged in two opposite pairs. The seeds are 5-7 mm long and 2 mm broad, with a 3-4 mm broad papery wing on each side.

Contents

Uses and symbolism

External links

Uses and symbolism

The resin (sandarac) is used to make varnish and lacquer; it is particularly valued for preserving paintings.
It is the national tree of Malta, where it is known as 'Għargħar' (derived from the Arabic name 'Araar'). It is now being used locally in afforestation projects.

The wood, particularly from burls at the base of the trunk, is used for decorative woodwork.
This tree has been known to be used in Bonsai.

External links

★ Arboretum de Villardebelle - ''Tetraclinis'' cone photos