Scientific Name: Callitris Columellaris
Common Name: Bribie Island Pine / Coastal Cypress Pine
Nunukul Name: Tree – Brorogorre. Roots – Warran-Warran (Rahnsleben, 1972)
Turrbal Name: Buro’gari (Petrie, 1904)
Kabi Kabi Name: Ku’lulu (Watson, 1944)
Indigenous Use
Wood was used for spear making. Roots were used to make boomerangs. Resin was used as an adhesive. Leaves and twigs used in herbal medicine for colds and rashes, including scabies.
When to Use
The wood, roots, resin and leaves are available all year.
Identification
Leaves: The leaves of Callitris columellaris are scale-like and closely appressed to the stem, giving the branches a slender, cylindrical appearance. They are typically dark green and arranged in whorls of three, creating a smooth, almost braided look. The leaves are very small, about 2-3 mm long (Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024; Atlas of Living Australia, 2023).
Bark: The bark of Callitris columellaris is rough and deeply furrowed, often peeling in vertical strips. It is grey to brown in colour, providing a stark contrast to the tree’s dark green foliage. The rugged texture of the bark is characteristic of this species (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024).
Cones: Callitris columellaris produces woody, globular cones that are about 2-3 cm in diameter. The cones are initially green, turning brown as they mature. They are composed of tightly packed scales that protect the seeds inside. Male cones are small and cylindrical, while female cones are larger and more rounded (Atlas of Living Australia, 2023; Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024).
Seeds: The seeds of Callitris columellaris are released from the cones when they mature and open, typically in late summer to autumn. Each cone contains multiple seeds, which are winged to aid in wind dispersal (Australian Native Plants Society, 2024).
Ecosystems
Found in the below ecosystem/s.
Eucalyptus Forests: Eucalyptus forests are characterised by their dominant eucalyptus tree species, thriving in a variety of soil types and pH levels, usually ranging from 4.5 to 7. These forests support a diverse understory of shrubs, grasses, and ground covers, and are adapted to periodic fires which help in seed germination and pest control. Common plants found in eucalyptus forests include wattles, grevilleas, and native grasses. These ecosystems are prominent in areas such as Toohey Forest, the Glass House Mountains, and D’Aguilar National Park.
References
Australian National Botanic Gardens, 2024. Callitris columellaris. [online] Available at: https://www.anbg.gov.au/gnp/gnp12/callitris-columellaris.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Atlas of Living Australia (ALA), 2023. Callitris columellaris (White Cypress Pine). [online] Available at: https://bie.ala.org.au/species/https://id.biodiversity.org.au/node/apni/2917318 [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Australian Native Plants Society, 2024. Callitris columellaris. [online] Available at: http://anpsa.org.au/c-col.html [Accessed 8 June 2024].
Leiper, Glen, Muteroo: Plant use by Australian Aboriginal People. Eagleby South State School, Brisbane
Leiper, G., Glazebrook, J., Cox, D., & Rathie, K., 2008. Mountain to Mangroves: A Field Guide to the Native Plants of South-east Queensland. Logan River Branch, Society for Growing Australian Plants.
Watson, F.J., Vocabularies of Four Representative Tribes of South Eastern Queensland. Supplement to the Journal of the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia. (Queensland), No 34 Vol XLVIII Brisbane
Stradbroke Island, Moreton Bay clippings book 1901-1972 : compiled by Mrs G. Rahnsleben, containing historical items clipped since 1902 but relating to general history of the island.