Widdringtonia is a genus of coniferous trees in the Cupressaceae (cypress family). 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.

Description

This genus contains large evergreen shrubs and trees, reaching 5–20 m tall (to 40 m in W. whytei). Juveniles have needle-like leaves that are arranged in spirals. The scale-like leaves in adults are arranged in decussate opposite pairs in four rows along the twigs.

The plants are dioecious. The small male cones grow at the ends of twigs. The scales have no stalks. They grow into an upward, decreasing beak with two to six pollen sacs at the base of the cone.|

One species is widespread in southern Africa, while the other three have restricted ranges, often occurring with or near to the widespread species.

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! Image !! Scientific name !! Distribution

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|120px || Widdringtonia nodiflora || Widespread, southern Malawi south to Western Cape Province, South Africa.

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|120px || Widdringtonia schwarzii || Endemic, Baviaanskloof and Kouga Mountains (west of Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

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|120px || Widdringtonia cedarbergensis || Endemic to Cederberg Mountains (northeast of Cape Town), Western Cape Province, South Africa.

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|120px || Widdringtonia whytei || Endemic, Mulanje Massif, Malawi.

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The closest relatives of Widdringtonia are Callitris and Actinostrobus from Australia, which differ in their cones and leaves being in whorls of three, not opposite pairs.

Uses

The wood is light, soft and aromatic. It can be easily split and resists decay. It is used to make furniture, indoor and outdoor panelling, and fence posts. That of W. whytei was particularly valuable as it was available in large sizes, but this species is now endangered and no longer cut to any extent.

  • Pauw, C. A. & Linder, H. P. 1997. Widdringtonia systematics, ecology and conservation status. Bot. J. Linn. Soc. 123: 297–319.
  • Recommended English names for trees of Southern Africa (archive)
  • Arboretum de Villardebelle - Photos of cones