Cypress

The Cypress tree is a tall, evergreen tree known for its remarkable resistance to moisture, making it a favored resource for shipbuilding and coastal construction.
Cypress forests are prevalent along the coasts and in damp areas, where the trees’ resilience to wet conditions ensures their dominance. These trees have been part of Helerin’s landscape for generations, providing both practical and aesthetic value to the people.

Form and Appearance

Cypress trees are characterized by their tall, slender trunks and dense, dark green foliage. The trees grow upright, with needle-like leaves that remain on the tree year-round, creating a distinctive silhouette against the horizon. The bark is thick and rough, often dark brown, and the tree produces small, woody cones.
Cypress wood is lightweight yet strong, with natural oils that give it its famed resistance to rot and moisture.

Habitat

Cypress trees thrive in coastal areas and regions with moderate to high rainfall. They are commonly found near rivers, lakes, and marshlands, as well as in coastal woodlands where the sea air and humidity create favorable growing conditions.
These trees prefer well-drained, sandy soils but are known to tolerate a wide range of soil types, making them adaptable to different environments. They often grow in dense groves, providing important shelter to wildlife.

Geographic Distribution

Cypress forests are widespread across the Seynan Islands and the coastal regions of Forbin and Teros. In Forbin, they are most commonly found along the shores near Gilrim and the banks of the rivers that flow through the region. On Teros Major, Cypress trees grow along the southern coasts near the Payon Strait and in the more humid regions around Drujin Forest. Their presence in the Seynan Islands is particularly prominent, where they contribute to the island’s shipbuilding traditions.

Uses

Cypress wood is highly valued for its resistance to moisture and rot, making it ideal for use in shipbuilding, especially for smaller vessels and coastal structures. The wood is also used in the construction of docks, homes, and public buildings in humid and coastal regions. Its durability in wet conditions has made it a staple material for crafting items that need to withstand the elements, such as bridges, fences, and outdoor furniture. In addition to its practical uses, Cypress wood is often chosen for its fragrant qualities, making it popular in the crafting of decorative items and ceremonial objects.
The trees are also used in reforestation efforts to stabilize coastal dunes and riverbanks, preventing erosion.