The female cones start out similarly inconspicuous, maturing in 18–20 months to 1–3 cm (0.39–1.18 in) long and wide, globular to ovoid (acute in C. macleayana), with six overlapping, thick, woody scales, arranged in two whorls of three (often 8 scales in C. macleayana).

The cones remain closed on the trees for many years, opening only after being scorched by a bushfire; this then releases the seeds to grow on the newly cleared burnt ground.

C. macleayana is also distinct in occurring in rainforest on the east coast of Australia; the other species all grow on dry sites.

The closest relative of Callitris is Actinostrobus from southwest Western Australia, which differs in its cones having several basal whorls of small sterile scales.

[5] In 2010, early Oligocene fossilised foliage and cones of Callitris were unearthed near the Lea River in Tasmania.

& Johnson C. gracilis Baker C. tuberculata (de Mirbel) Brown ex Endlicher The genus includes the following species:[1] The following names are of doubtful validity:[9] The wood of cypress-pines is light, soft and aromatic.