The Probert Encyclopaedia of Nature

CYPRESS

Cypress is a genus of coniferous (evergreen) cone-bearing trees and shrubs, with small adnate opposite leaves, and small globular cones on a few fleshy scale-leaves. The Capressus sempervirens, or common European cypress, is a dark-coloured evergreen with extremely small leaves, entirely covering the branches. It has a quadrangular, or, where the top branches diminish in length, pyramidal shape. Cypress-trees, though of a somewhat sombre and gloomy appearance, may be used with great effect in shrubberies and gardens. They are much valued also on account of their wood, which is hard, compact, and very durable, of a reddish colour and a pleasant smell. It was used at funerals and as an emblem of mourning by the ancients. Amongst other members of the genus are the Indian cypress (Cypress glauca); the Cypress pendula, a native of China and Japan; and the Cypress thurifera, or incense-bearing cypress, a native of Mexico; the evergreen American cypress or White Cedar (Cypress thyoides); etc. The Taxodium distichum, or deciduous cypress of the United States and Mexico, is frequently called the Virginian cypress. Its timber is valuable, and under water is almost imperishable.
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