Chile, Valdivia to Chiloe in rain forest with 2000-4000mm annual rainfall. Monotypic genus in the Cypress family, long- lived and heavily exploited. Timber elastic, light and durable, highly prized. Slow growing in summer dry Tasman.

Britain, Europe, Caucasus & Alborz Mts. (Iran). Broadly columnar, deciduous tree with stout greenish-grey shoots with jet black buds. Leaves with 7-13 coarsely serrate leaflets, late into leaf & early to fall. Flowers before the leaves, developing into bunches of 'keys'. Vigorous grower, best on deep moist to wet soils but tolerates much drier soils, enjoys limestone. Valuable light coloured hardwood timber for tool handles, sports goods, and joinery. Steams and bends well. Coppices readily, producing straight poles and rods. Great firewood, burns cut green.

Eastern Canada & NE USA, growing in swampy soils, cold tolerant. Autumn colours yellow or purple, leaves falling early. Threatened in the wild by the introduced Asian emerald ash borer. Timber is used for basket making and musical instruments. Rare in NZ.

East USA westward to the Rockies. Broadly columnar, deciduous. Vigorous grower. Brilliant golden yellow autumn leaves. Prefers damp soils.