Callitris glaucophylla
Family: Cupressaceae
Conical shaped tree reaching 6m high. The bark is rough and dark grey and the foliage has a blue-grey appearance. The fruit is a round woody cone about 2cm across.
It is a very important plant for Aboriginal people, the leaves and resin are crushed and used as a body wash after soaking in water or mixed with fat and rubbed on the body. The resin was also used to make an adhesive.
It can be found in all mainland states of Australia. The wood is useful for timber as it is resistant to termites. The bark is used commercially in the tanning process.
Great choice for the home garden, keep one in a large pot and bring it in at Christmas time for your own local live Christmas tree!
Where to find this plant at Alice Springs Desert Park
These plants are found through the hilly areas of the Desert Rivers habitat and in the visitor centre courtyard.