athrotaxis

noun

Meaning

A genus of coniferous trees native to Tasmania, often called Tasmanian cedars, known for their ancient lineage and tolerance for high-altitude, wet environments.

Examples

  • The rare athrotaxis survives in the remote, high-altitude regions of Tasmania.
  • Botanists study the athrotaxis to understand how these ancient conifers have adapted to changing climates over millions of years.

Synonyms: conifer, gymnosperm