Tree-Trail-34-1000

34. Fitzroya cupressoides

The Patagonian Cypress is a Genus with a single species and is endemic to Argentina and Chile where it is globally threatened by selective logging, grazing and fire. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has rated this species as “endangered”. This specimen was part of a consignment of trees received from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh (RBGE) as part of the International Conifer Conservation Programme (ICCP). Heriot-Watt University struck a relationship with the RBGE to help with conservation work and it allows us to obtain rare trees to add to the wide variety of species already on campus.