why cypress tree is known as national tree in Bhutan? Cypress or Cupressus torulosa is the National Tree of Bhutan. Locally, it is known as ‘tenden’. 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.
