*Platycladus orientalis

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Immature cones.

*Platycladus orientalis
ORIENTAL ARBORVITAE

Cupressaceae
Asia

Location: map coordinates Q-23 (south corner of Delaware Hall), N 39°11'7'' W 75°32'34''

Planting history: presently unknown.

Description:
  • small evergreen tree, conifer
  • etymology: Platycladus from Greek platy = broad, and cladus = branch; orientalis = oriental
  • Pladycladus often included in Thuja
  • leaves scale-like, in flat sprays
  • cones small (up to 1”), scales opposite; greenish, ripening brown
  • “arborvitae” means “tree of life”, associated with long life in Buddhism; some trees >1,000 yrs old; growth slow
  • wood used for incense
  • popular ornamental

*Non-native species (not native to Delaware)
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