Callitris columellaris

Callitris columellaris

Scientific Classification:

  • Kingdom: Plantae
  • Clade: Angiosperms
  • Order: Myrtales
  • Family: Myrtaceae
  • Genus: Corymbia
  • Species: C. torelliana

Synonyms:

Callitris arenosa A.Cunn. ex R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm., Callitris columellaris var. campestris Silba, Callitris columellaris subsp. campestris (Silba) Silba, Callitris columellaris f. glauca F.M.Bailey, Callitris columellaris var. intratropica (R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.) Silba, Callitris columellaris subsp. intratropica (R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.) Silba, Callitris columellaris var. microcarpa (Benth.) Govaerts, Callitris glauca R.Br. ex R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm., Callitris glaucophylla J.Thomps. & L.A.S.Johnson, Callitris hugelii (Carrière) Franco, Callitris intermedia R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm., Callitris intratropica R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm., Callitris robusta var. intratropica (R.T.Baker & H.G.Sm.) Ewart & O.B.Davies, Callitris robusta var. microcarpa (Benth.) F.M.Bailey, Frenela columellaris (F.Muell.) Parl., Frenela hugelii Carrière, Frenela moorei Parl., Frenela robusta var. microcarpa Benth., Frenela verrucosa var. laevis C.Moore, Octoclinis backhousei W.Hill.

Species ID:

NMP-280;wfo-0000580726;NCBI_Taxonomy ID: 214225

Common Names:

White cypress, white cypress-pine, Murray River cypress-pine, Bribie Island pine and northern cypress-pine

Basic Description:

Corymbia torelliana is a large evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters in height. It features smooth, greenish-grey to white bark, which may be rough at the base of older trees. The adult leaves are egg-shaped, heart-shaped, or lance-shaped. The tree produces white flowers arranged in groups of three or seven, followed by urn-shaped or shortened spherical fruit.

Distribution and Habitat:

Native to the rainforests and rainforest margins of northern Queensland, Australia, Corymbia torelliana has been introduced to various regions, including Nigeria. In Nigeria, it has naturalized and is particularly valued in the northern regions.

Medicinal Properties:

There is limited information on the medicinal properties of Corymbia torelliana. However, related species in the Corymbia and Eucalyptus genera are known for their essential oils, which possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Further research is needed to determine the specific medicinal applications of C. torelliana.

Known Toxicity:

There are no widely reported toxic effects associated with Corymbia torelliana. However, as with many plants in the Myrtaceae family, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to the pollen or volatile oils. Caution is advised for susceptible individuals.

Additional Information:

In northern Nigeria, Corymbia torelliana is recognized as an important naturalized bee plant. It flowers from November through February, providing essential nectar and pollen during the dry season when other food sources are scarce. This makes it valuable for beekeeping activities in the region.

References:

  1. Wikipedia contributors. (2023, April 15). Corymbia torelliana. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corymbia_torelliana
  2. Useful Tropical Plants. (n.d.). Corymbia torelliana. Retrieved from https://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Corymbia+torelliana
  3. Dukku, U. H. (2011). Eucalyptus torelliana: An important naturalized bee plant in northern Nigeria. Bee World. Retrieved from https://www.academia.edu/3608931/Eucalyptus_torelliana_An_important_naturalized_bee_plant_in_northern_Nigeria
  4. Florida Natural Areas Inventory. (n.d.). Corymbia torelliana. Retrieved from https://www.fnai.org/species-communities/invasives/invasive-species?ID=60
  5. Kew Science. (n.d.). Eucalyptus torelliana F.Muell. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved from https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:593425-1
  6. GBIF. (n.d.). Corymbia torelliana (F.Muell.) K.D.Hill & L.A.S.Johnson. Retrieved from https://www.gbif.org/species/5418406
  7. Key Search. (n.d.). Corymbia torelliana. Retrieved from https://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/media/Html/corymbia_torelliana.htm
  8. IFAS Assessment. (2012). Eucalyptus torelliana (=Corymbia torelliana) (Cadaga, Cadagi tree). Retrieved from https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/site/assets/files/2830/e_torelliana_wra_ra_2012.pdf

External links

  1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Callitris_columellaris
  2. https://www.conifers.org/cu/Callitris_columellaris.php
  3. https://www.gbif.org/species/2684338
  4. https://uk.inaturalist.org/taxa/159691-Callitris-glaucophylla
  5. https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Callitris+columellaris
  6. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Callitris~columellaris
  7. https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/52388-Callitris-columellaris
  8. https://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Callitris+columellaris

More pictures
Compounds of Callitris columellaris
References

Ogunwande, I. A., Olawore, N. O., Adeleke, K. A., & König, W. A. (2005). Analyses of the volatile compounds of Callitris columellaris F. Muell. needles from two different regions of Nigeria. Journal of Essential Oil Research, 17(1), 44-46.