Arizona cypress - Cupressus glabra

Cupressus glabra, commonly known as Arizona cypress or smooth cypress, is a species of coniferous tree native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It belongs to the family Cupressaceae and can grow up to 20-30 meters tall.

The tree has a narrow, conical shape and a straight trunk with a gray-brown bark that peels off in strips. Its leaves are scale-like and arranged in opposite pairs on the stem, giving off a characteristic resinous aroma when crushed.

Cupressus glabra is a hardy and drought-resistant tree, thriving in dry and arid environments with little water. It is often planted for ornamental purposes in landscapes and parks and is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak.

The tree produces small, spherical cones that measure around 2-3 cm in diameter and contain tiny seeds. These cones are a source of food for a variety of wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

In addition to its practical uses, Cupressus glabra also holds cultural significance for some Native American tribes in the southwestern United States. The Pima Indians, for example, use the tree's bark to make baskets, while the Hopi use its branches in traditional religious ceremonies.