Micropropagation of Mediterranean cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.)

Abstract

The Mediterranean or common cypress (Cupressus sempervirens L.) is a tall tree (up to 30 m in height), belonging to the genus Cupressus, Family Cupressaceae. The Genus includes as much as 25 species (Ducrey et al., 1999), largely diffused in the Mediterranean basin, in Asia and in North America. Of them, the Mediterranean cypress is by far the most important and widespread species in the Mediterranean area. It is native to Northern Persia, as well as Syria, Turkey, Cyprus and several Greek islands. However, during the Roman Empire it was introduced into all the Mediterranean countries, where it can now be considered naturalised. The cypress is monoecious, and bears male and female strobili (cones) separately at the end of short branchlets. Depending on the crown branch habit, the species is divided into two varieties, i.e.: - C. sempervirens var. horizontalis, the most common in natural areas, characterised by spreading branches and a broad conical crown; - C. sempervirens var. pyramidalis (= var. fastigiata), the most popular for ornamental use because of its erect branches, parallel to the trunk, which give the tree its typical columnar shape.