Pilgerodendron uviferum (Guaitecas Cypress)

Pilgerodendron uviferum, or the Guaitecas Cypress, is a dioecious, slow-growing, narrowly conical evergreen tree that grows from 2 to 20 metres in height and can spread up to 3 metres in diameter. It is native to Southern South America and is found in the Valdivian rainforests and Magellanic sub-polar forests of Chile and Argentina.

It is the single surviving member of its genus and part of the sub-family Callitroideae, of which Australian members such as the Tasmanian Cheshunt and Cypress Pine are prime examples.

Pilgerodendron uviferum was previously classified in the genus Libocedrus as Libocedrus uvifera.

In its native range, Pilgerodendron uviferum is found growing alongside Nothofagus species and Fitzroya cupressoides.

It is currently under threat in its natural range, from climate change and illegal logging. Before overexploitation, specimens with wide tree trunks up to 3 m in diameter existed.

In garden settings, P. uviferum prefers a position in full sun sheltered from extreme heat and drying winds. It can tolerate most soil conditions, including boggy sites.