Macrocarpa

Macrocarpa is a common name used for several species of plants, most notably Cupressus macrocarpa, commonly known as Monterey cypress. This coniferous evergreen tree is native to a small coastal region in California, United States. It is characterized by its distinctive, often picturesque, wind-swept shape due to its exposure to strong ocean winds. Monterey cypress typically grows to a height of about 15-25 meters and has a broad, spreading crown. Its foliage is dark green and scale-like, and it produces small, round cones.

Due to its attractive form and resilience to coastal conditions, Monterey cypress has been widely planted as an ornamental tree and for windbreaks in many parts of the world, particularly in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In these regions, it has naturalized in some areas and is sometimes considered an invasive species. The wood of Cupressus macrocarpa is aromatic and has been used for various purposes, though it is not a major timber species.

The term "macrocarpa" can also refer to other species within the Cupressus genus or related genera, or even other unrelated plants that share similar characteristics or have been given the name colloquially. However, when used without further qualification, it most frequently refers to the Monterey cypress.