Widdringtonia cedarbergensis

Cultivation Details

Widdringtonia cedarbergensis is native to the semi-arid, mediterranean climate of S. Africa with hot, dry summers and cool to cold, moist to wet winters. The mean annual rainfall is within the range 500 - 1,000 mm. The plant experiences regular summer droughts and, especially at the higher limits of its range, winter snow and frosts^[1]. Although the plants are frost hardy in their native range, they are probably not hardy to prolonged cold at temperatures below -5°c, especially in moister climates^{[2, 3]}. In its natural environment the plant can tolerate shallow, infertile soils and severe droughts^[1]. It requires a very well-drained soil and excessive wetness should be avoided at all times^[1]. Plants are not difficult to grow as potted specimens, though watering should be carried out with care, especially in summer when it is very easy to overwater^[1]. The wood is fragrant^[1]. Pollen analysis and historical records suggest that the species’ range was significantly larger in the past, but the main stands of it were ruthlessly exploited for their timber by European settlers in the Cape, and few mature trees now remain. Re-establishment is proving to be very slow and difficult, with plants facing various threats, including seed predation by birds and rodents, grazing of seedlings, low seed yields and illegal timber extraction; fire, however, remains the chief concern. Due to their high resin content cedars burn incredibly fast, and can even explode! Yet fire is essential for seed release and seedling establishment[121. Rigorous management of the Cederberg area, with routine, controlled burning, may be the only way to save this species, and attempts are ongoing^[1]. Female cones develop in the autumn, and remain on the tree for almost 3 years before the seeds are released during late summer^[2].