A tree growing in the wild to 40 m tall although much smaller in cultivation. Juvenile leaves needle-like, about 2 cm long. Adult leaves scale-like in opposite pairs 3-4 mm long. Male cones about 2 mm long. Female cones almost spherical, about 2 cm wide with 4 warty scales. Seeds winged, slightly flattened.

This species is rare in cultivation in Australia.

Grows naturally in rocky ravines of the low rainfall areas of the Baviaanskloof and Kouga mountains at alt. between 800-1300 m.

SA: Adelaide (Wittunga Bot. Gds). TAS: Hobart (Tasmanian Royal Bot. Gds).

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Cupressaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.