Athrotaxis
(from athros, crowded together, and taxis, arrangement; in reference to the disposition of the scales of the cones). ORD. Coniferae. A small genus of Tasmanian evergreen dioecious trees or shrubs, with small scale-like leaves, and small globular cones of many imbricated scales, with from three to six carpels under each scale. In very sheltered situations they will probably prove hardy; but otherwise, they are only suitable for botanical collections. Increased by cuttings. This genus is almost universally misspelt Arthrotaxis.
A. cupressoides (Cypress-like). l. small, thick, leathery, spirally arranged, closely imbricated, deep glossy green. h. 30ft. A small, erect, and very slow growing tree, with numerous slender branchlets.
A. Doniana (Don's). A synonym of A. laxifolia.
A. imbricata (imbricated). A garden synonym of A. selaginoides. A. laxifolia (loose-leaved). Differing from A. cupressoides in having longer, more pointed, open, and spreading leaves, which stand out from the stem in a Juniper-like fashion. Its lateral growths are rather pendulous. h. 20ft. to 25ft. SYN. A. Doniana.
A. selaginoides (Selago-like). l. glossy green, scale-like, spirally disposed, closely appressed to the shoots, branches and their ramifications very numerous. h. variable, up to 40ft. Very interesting, and quite distinct. SYN. A. imbricata (of gardens).