Taiwan Cypress
Table of contents
Getting to know cypress
Cypress is an evergreen conifer belonging to the genus Chamaecyparis in the family Cupressaceae. It was once widely distributed around the world, and there are currently six species, distributed in the east and west coasts of North America, Japan, and Taiwan.
Taiwan cypress
There are two species of cypress trees in Taiwan, both of which grow in humid mid- to high-altitude mountainous areas. They are tall, long-lived, and provide rich ecological habitats.
Taiwan cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa var. formosana) is classified as a variety of Japanese cypress, also known as Taiwan yellow cypress. In Taiwan, it is often called "Hinoki" (ヒノキ) by local people from its Japanese name.
Red cypress ( Chamaecyparis formosensis ) is a species that is more similar to Sawara cypress. In Taiwan, it is often called "Benihi" (ベニヒ) by its Japanese name because the wood is light red in color.
Applications of cypress
Cypress wood is typically used for its timber, and due to its excellent properties, it is often considered a high-end building material or used to make furniture and decorative items. Distillation of the wood can extract hydrosols and essential oils for various everyday and fragrance applications.
In addition, cypress extracts can also be used as skin care products, and are considered to have antioxidant, antibacterial, whitening, moisturizing and nourishing effects on the skin.
Comparison of Taiwan Cypress Essential Oil
Taiwan cypress essential oil contains a high level of α-pinene. The terpineol and terpinenes contents are unique to Taiwan cypress essential oil, not found in Red cypress one. It also contains β-cadinene and other components, resulting in a pleasant and harmonious aroma. It contains a significant amount of mosquito-repellent components.
Red cypress essential oil contains a large amount of myrtanol and myrtenol, which are unique and not found in yellow cypress one, and has a calming and grounding scent. It contains relatively few mosquito-repellent components.