Cupressus sempervirens ‘Totem’

This plant is native to hot, arid regions of the Mediterranean and Western Asia. The narrow exclamation mark silhouette is a familiar sight in the Tuscan countryside, as well as framing views in more formal garden settings.

In historical botany, Cupressus sempervirens has been associated with the Cupressaceae family and is one of the most ancient cultivated trees. Its wood, known for its resistance to decay, was used by ancient civilisations for shipbuilding, coffins, and temples. The species is famously linked to the building of Noah’s Ark in biblical texts and to the sacred groves of ancient Greek and Roman cultures. The doors of St Peter’s basilica in Vatican City are perhaps one of the more high-profile uses.

Symbolically, the tree has represented immortality, mourning, and protection, making it a common feature in cemeteries and sacred spaces. The tall, columnar form of some cultivars, like ‘Totem,’ became a hallmark of Mediterranean landscapes, particularly in Italian Renaissance gardens, where it was used to create striking vertical accents.