| Latin Name : | Cupressus sempervirens |
| English Name : | (Common) Cypress |
| French Name : | Cyprès commun, toujours vert |
| Family : | Cupressaceae |
| Origin : | Morocco, Spain |
History and origin
The generic name Cupressus is the Latin name of the common cypress. This name comes from "Cyparissus", a figure from Greek mythology, son of Telephus, who was transformed into a cypress tree by Apollo. Cypress are trees or bushy shrubs, sempervirents, which can reach from 5 to 40 meters in height.
Romans and Egyptians dedicated this tree to the god of death. The mention "always green" in its name would remind of "still alive". Is it why cypress trees were planted in cemeteries?