Moroccan Cypress

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Moroccan cypress

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Cupressus dupreziana var. atlantica
• Cupressus dupreziana subsp. atlantica
• Cupressus sempervirens var. atlantica

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Following its classification through the subclass Pinidae and order Pinales, it is situated in the family Cupressaceae. Ultimately, it is identified by the genus Cupressus.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Cupressus atlanticus, exhibits a highly specific and restricted geographical range. Its primary natural habitat is located within the northern reaches of the African continent. Specifically, this medicinal species is found growing in the unique landscapes of Morocco. Because of this limited presence, it is considered an endemic feature of the local North African flora. Consequently, its distribution is defined by this single, significant regional occurrence.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Cupressus atlanticus is characterized by its classification as a phanerophyte, a life form in which the perennating buds are borne high above the ground on woody stems. Within this classification, it specifically exhibits the traits of both a phanerophyte and a nanophanerophyte, indicating a growth habit that ranges from small shrubs to larger woody structures where the vital buds are protected by elevated branches. As a perennial woody species, its development involves a long-term survival strategy centered on robust structural growth, allowing it to persist through various environmental conditions by maintaining its photosynthetic and reproductive tissues well above the soil surface.

Life form :

phanerophyte

Morphology

The morphology of Cupressus atlanticus is characterized by a robust and perennial growth habit, functioning as a self-supporting plant that does not require external structures for vertical stability. As an independent species, it lacks any parasitic tendencies, maintaining its own nutritional processes without reliance on host organisms. The plant is strictly terrestrial in its ecological positioning, growing directly in soil rather than inhabiting other plants as an epiphyte. Furthermore, its structural integrity is defined by a woody nature, featuring firm, lignified tissues that support its large, tree-like stature.

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Reproduction

The reproduction of Cupressus atlantica is characterized by the production of small, woody cones that house its seeds, which exhibit specific morphological dimensions in terms of weight. The seed mass of this species shows a degree of variability, with a recorded mean mass of 0.00824 g. Within the observed population, the individual seed weights range from a minimum of 0.00719 g to a maximum of 0.00929 g. This precise range in seed mass is a critical factor in the plant's reproductive strategy and subsequent dispersal and germination success.

Seed mass max:

0.00929 g

Seed mass mean:

0.00824 g

Seed mass min:

0.00719 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Cupressus atlantica has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include CA, FE, MG, na, p-.

CA

1. Natural product research

FE

1. Natural product research

MG

1. Natural product research

na

1. Natural product research

p-

1. Natural product research