Beneath the Bough

Rebuild our home, one tree at a time

Author: Christopher Ko

  • The Spanish Cedar (Cedrela odorata)

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    Christopher Ko
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    Physical Description Spanish Cedar is a large, evergreen tree that can grow up to 30 meters (98 feet) tall. It has a straight trunk with reddish-brown bark and a broad canopy of compound leaves. The tree produces small, fragrant flowers followed by woody capsules containing seeds. Environmental Concerns Spanish Cedar is endangered due to overexploitation…

  • The Fitzroya (Fitzroya cupressoides): The Endangered Patagonian Cypress

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    Christopher Ko
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    Physical Description Fitzroya, also known as the Patagonian Cypress, is a large conifer native to the Andes in Chile and Argentina. It can grow up to 60 meters (197 feet) tall and has a thick, reddish-brown bark with a dense canopy of scale-like, greenish leaves. The tree produces small, woody cones. Environmental Concerns Fitzroya is…

  • Chlorophytum comosum

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    Christopher Ko
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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: kloh-roh-FY-tum koh-MO-sum Description: Chlorophytum comosum is a perennial herb that typically grows 30 to 60 centimeters (1 to 2 feet) tall and wide. It has arching, grass-like leaves that form a dense, attractive clump. The leaves are linear, narrow, and typically green with white or yellow variegation, although solid green varieties…

  • Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides)

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    Christopher Ko
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    Physical Description The Dawn Redwood is a deciduous conifer that can reach heights of up to 200 feet (60 meters). Its feathery, needle-like leaves turn a striking reddish-brown color in the fall before dropping. The tree has a broad, pyramidal shape with a trunk that is generally straight and has a reddish-brown bark that peels…

  • Heliconia rostrata

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    Christopher Ko
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    Common Names: Phonetic Spelling: hel-ih-KOH-nee-uh roh-STRAH-tuh Description: Distribution/Location: Environmental Concerns: Fun Fact: Heliconia rostrata is a favorite among hummingbirds, who are perfectly adapted to feed from its tubular flowers. The plant and the birds have evolved together, with the flowers curving just right to match the hummingbirds’ beaks!