Mulanje cedar

tree

Also known as: Mlanje cedar, Widdringtonia whytei

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Last updated

July 1, 2026

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The Mulanje cedar, scientifically known as Widdringtonia whytei, is a species of coniferous tree native to southern Africa. It is a member of the cypress family, Cupressaceae. This tree is notable for its potential to reach significant heights, sometimes exceeding 45 meters (148 feet). Historically, it was a valuable timber tree, but it is now listed as critically endangered. The Mulanje cedar is found in the Mulanje Mountains of Malawi, where it grows on steep slopes and ravine walls. Unlike some other species in its genus, it is not fire-adapted.12

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African cypress
With the exception of Mulanje (or Mlanje) cedar (Widdringtonia whytei), the plants are fire-adapted and release their seeds following a wildfire, the heat of which forces the cones to open.
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With the exception of Mulanje (or Mlanje) cedar (Widdringtonia whytei), the plants are fire-adapted and release their seeds following a wildfire, the heat of which forces the cones to open.
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Mulanje Mountains
…trees crowned by stands of Mulanje cedar (Widdringtonia whytei) at its northernmost occurrence in Africa. These trees grow on steep slopes and ravine walls and often reach heights of more than 100 ft and base diameters of 6 ft. Although access is difficult, they are an important factor in the…
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…trees crowned by stands of Mulanje cedar (Widdringtonia whytei) at its northernmost occurrence in Africa. These trees grow on steep slopes and ravine walls and often reach heights of more than 100 ft and base diameters of 6 ft. Although access is difficult, they are an important factor in the…
Read More