Genus: Chamaecyparis Species: obtusa 'Crippsii' Family: CUPRESSACEAE Common name: Golden Hinoki Cypress Plant type: Evergreen conifer Origin: South and Central Japan Habit/form: Can be very handsome, one of the most popular golden conifers planted in Australia, the Golden Hinoki Cypress is a cultivated variety of C. obtusa. C. obtusa gets about 35m tall while 'Crippsii' is comfortable about 10m (but can get larger with great age). Golden Hinoki Cypress has a conical crown with numerous inner branches tightly packed, upright and outward, extending/spreading to produce a relatively broad, bouncy, voluptuous shape. Crown looks neat and well balanced, leaf-tips exposed to the sun develop a fantastic golden-yellow colour but can also show some sunburn, slow growing. Has no problem with the cold, prefers cool climate, is sensitive to drought conditions and likes lots of rainfall, yet it does adapt to Australian climate, likes well drained loamy soils, can manage between sandy and clay. Leaves: Opposite pairs of a brightly-like rich/deep-like green scale leaves, up to 2-3mm, making-up flattened sprays of branchlets, marked with distinctive stomatic lines on the underside of the leaves. The golden-yellow leaf tips overlay/layer the green foliage to create a beautiful colour contrast. Crushed leaves can emit a cedar-like aroma (but not usually a dominant smell). Fruit: Conifer, monoecious, rounded woody cones, light brown, about 10-12mm diameter, with 8 lumpy rhombic scales each having a small mucro (short sharp point).

• published: 13 Jan 2014
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