About Retrophyllum minus (Carrière) C.N.Page
Retrophyllum minus is a sparsely branched small tree that rarely grows over 3 metres (10 ft) tall. It has a flared trunk that tapers toward the tree's top, with rough bark; the flared trunk form is reminiscent of Taxodium distichum and Nyssa aquatica. This species produces pear-shaped, berry-like cones that turn dark red when they reach maturity. Retrophyllum minus grows in habitats near rivers and lakes on the Plaine des Lakes in the south of Grande Terre. It is a rheophyte, meaning it grows in running water, and it is the only conifer known to have this growth habit.
