cupressus ovensii
cupressus ovensii (Ovens Cypress clone) is a clonal cypress hybrid, meaning that trees are cutting-grown and genetically identical, originating from one parent tree. Ovensii is a cross between Lusitanica cypress and Nootka cypress and has inherited desirable traits from both parent species. Although only planted for 25 years or so in Northland, Ovensii cypress is gaining a good reputation among growers for resilience and reliability.
Although slightly slower growing than macrocarpa and lusitanica, Ovensii timber may hold slightly higher durability than those species. Furthermore, wood properties are consistent between trees, unlike the variability inherent in seedling-grown trees. However, because Ovensii is cutting-grown, trees can be expensive unless sourced from a nursery specialising in producing them.
Health: Good resistance to canker and healthy in Northland NZ. Cattle and deer will strip the bark from this species at all ages if given access.
Timber: Ovensii produces a decorative, lighter-coloured wood than macrocarpa and lusitanica, with less "lustre". It has fairly good mechanical properties and durability, lending itself well to structural applications where natural durability is specified. The wood is stable and suitable for a range of joinery applications such as windows, doors and fittings and heartwood can be used for cladding.
Siting: Ovensii is fairly resilient to wind exposure but is not well adapted to coastal conditions and salt-laden winds. Like other cypresses, Ovensii requires free draining soil and moderate fertility.
Steep slopes: Suitable for exposed eroding slopes but may require the addition of phosphate where eroded soils have become skeletal. Ovensii roots are slow to decay and if the trees are not pruned they can be held at a fairly high stocking. Provided that log values were high enough Ovensii cypress could be grown as a continuous cover forest to further reduce erosion risk.
Species characteristics: Well formed, healthy and moderately fast growing. Prone to some ramicorn-type (large, upward growing) branches.
(not yet listed in Wikipedia)
