What is the national tree of Bhutan?

Locally known as ‘Tsenden’ Cypress or Cupressus torulosa is the National Tree of Bhutan. It is also referred to as Bhutan Cypress or Himalayan Cypress. Bhutanese consider the cypress tree sacred and held it in great reverence. Its ability to survive in difficult, rugged and harsh terrains and the strong and straight form is believed to be akin to the element of simplicity, hardiness and bravery in the people of Bhutan. Cypress is often planted outside monasteries, dzongs and religious places and its wood and branches has been used as incense for thousands of years. It is often found at 1800-300 m in the Himalayas and need a lot of sunrays. They thrive well in tropical and subtropical rainforests, preferably with calcareous substrates.

It is believed that every cypress tree tells a tale in Bhutan.