Callitropsis nootkatensis (D.Don)Oerst. 'Pendula'
Pendulous Nootka cypress, Afghan hound tree
The tree tag number relates to the black tree-maintenance tags, usually fixed on the trunk, 2 to 3m above ground level.
A fine rare tree occurring from S. Alaska to NW. California that was introduced into cultivation in 1884. It received an Award of Garden Merit 1984 and an Award of Merit in 1988. The species is a long-lived tree of the cloud forests.
The young example in Belfast Botanic Gardens is already producing cones. It is planted in the grass to the south of the Tropical Ravine and should eventually reach about 25m.
Until recently this was in the genus Xanthocyparis. It was moved to the genus Chamaecyparis and then to Callitropsis. You may find it described elsewhere under these names or even under the genus Cupressus.
Photos taken in Belfast Botanic Gardens in 2010. Copyright: Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens