The Sturdy Cypress of Bhutan

Explanation: Here rises and spreads a fine woodland of Bhutan cypress, also known as Himalayan cypress. We are on our way from the cities of Punakha to Paro, here in the high Himalayan Mountains of western Bhutan, as we cross through this cypress city.

The branches and foliage of this tree form the shape of huge evergreen cones. Mature trees can stand up to 150 ft (45 m) tall, and grow in the western Himalayas on limestone, at some 4900-9800 ft (1500-3000 m) elevation. The tree is planted in India for its excellent straight-grain timber, and is used also here in Bhutan. The trees are nicely resistant to insects, termites, and possibly other invertebrate pests, and is used for cabinetry and some construction.

The species also has some other rather remarkable uses. One source notes that an essential oil can be extracted from the aromatic wood to be used as a cosmetic, as an antiseptic, and medicinally to cure inflammations. Other sources (e.g., Khanna et al. 2025) suggest that the needles are used for their "anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, antimicrobial, and wound-healing properties. Antioxidants from this plant are vital in combating oxidative stress, which are implicated in these diseases."

Information:
Khanna, R., H.R. Chitme, B. Khushaboo, and V.K. Varshney. 2025. Cupressus torulosa, a Source of Antioxidant Polyphenols: An Analytical and Pharmacological Study. Rapid Communications in Mass Spectrometry 39(3):e9945. https://doi.org/10.1002/rcm.9945

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