The scientific name Cupressus sempervirens refers to the common cypress. The species name sempervirens means “always living” or “evergreen,” referring to the tree’s ability to retain its foliage throughout the year. It is one of the most characteristic and symbolic trees of the Mediterranean landscape.

Cypress is an evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the family Cupressaceae. It is native to the eastern Mediterranean and has spread widely across regions with temperate and Mediterranean climates. In Greece, it occurs both in natural ecosystems and as an ornamental or landscape tree in gardens, cemeteries and public spaces.

The tree can reach a height of 15–25 meters, and in favorable conditions may grow even taller. It typically forms a distinctive conical or columnar crown, especially in its upright cultivated form. The trunk is straight, with greyish brown bark that becomes longitudinally fissured with age. The leaves are very small, scale-like, tightly appressed to the shoots, forming a dense dark green to bluish green foliage.

Flowering occurs in spring. Cypress is wind-pollinated and bears both male and female cones on the same tree. The female cones mature over 1–2 years and develop into spherical woody structures containing small, winged seeds.

Cypress shows very high tolerance to drought and high temperatures. It grows best in sunny positions and well-drained soils, including poor or rocky ones. It is highly resistant to wind and well adapted to Mediterranean conditions, while its frost tolerance ranges from moderate to good depending on variety and plant age.

Propagation is mainly by seed, while vegetatively propagated methods may be used for cultivated varieties. It grows relatively slowly in its early stages, but it becomes long-lived and stable over time. It is generally resistant to diseases, although it may occasionally be affected by fungal infections or twig cankers.

Cypress is widely used as an ornamental and landscape tree in hedges, rows, windbreaks, gardens, parks, cemeteries and roadside plantings. It is a defining element of the Mediterranean landscape and carries strong symbolic meaning, historically associated with longevity and remembrance.