Distribution of Callitris verrucosa (Bowman and Harris 1995). You can also create a highly detailed map, and access specimen data, using the "search" function at the Australia Virtual Herbarium. The distribution of this species in Western Australia is assigned to C. tuberculata by Hill (1998). Basemap from Expedia Maps.
Callitris tuberculata
Mallee pine (Hill 1998).
Some authors regard this species as synonymous with Callitris preissii or C. verrucosa, but Hill (1998) differentiates it on the basis of female cone characters and distribution. See further discussion in the "Taxonomic notes" for Callitris preissii.
Shrubs or small trees to 8 m tall, single- or multi-stemmed. Leaves on ultimate branchlets 2-4 mm long, green-or gray green, with rounded upper surface. Pollen cones clustered, cylindrical, to 5 mm long. Seed cones solitary or clustered on stout, apically expanded branchlets; globular, 20-25 mm diameter, persistent holding seeds for several years after maturity; cones scales 6, thick, irregularly tuberculate with tubercles up to 3 mm across, united to form a thick cone base, not spreading widely after opening, alternate scales reduced, larger scales obtuse; columella thick, 2-4 mm long. Seeds numerous, dark brown, with 2-3 wings 4 mm wide (Hill 1998).
Australia: Western Australia, widespread on red desert sandhills, plains, coastal dunes and headlands (Hill 1998).
The IUCN does not recognize this taxon as distinct from C. preisii. Yet, it has a limited range and the area of occupancy seems not to have been assessed. Its conservation status is therefore "not evaluated" under IUCN criteria.
No data as of 2023.03.03.
Hybrids with C. preissii are found from the edges of the Great Victoria Desert west to the Murchison River estuary (Hill 1998).
Baker, R.T. and H.G. Smith. 1910. A Research on the Pines of Australia. Sydney: W.A. Gullick (p.99). Available: Biodiversity Heritage Library, accessed 2012.11.25.
Last Modified 2023-03-03
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