Mexican Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica)

Family: Cupressaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Mexican Cypress (Cupressus lusitanica) is an evergreen tree commonly found in Central America. It has a dense, cone-shaped crown and it can grow up to 40 m in height. The leaves are scale-like and dark green to yellow-green in colour. The seed cones are globose to oblong and brown in coloured when matured. Mexican cypress is fast growing and tolerant to drought. It is widely cultivated for its timber and as an ornamental tree.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Often forms dense stands at elevations above 1,300 metres in Guatemala. Forming pure, dense stands or scattered in mixed montane conifer forest or pine forest, also in pine-oak forest and woodland. (Zone 9)