Abstract
Chamaecyparis formosensis Matsumura and C. obtusa var. formosana Hayata, so-called false
cypresses, are both premier coniferous trees in Taiwan. They are renowned for their attractive texture
and charming fragrance. False cypresses are revered in history for playing an imperative role
as a source of income, and making a meaningful contribution to stimulate socioeconomic growth.
There were fruitful results in false cypresses in the past half century. In this paper, we review and
compare the characteristics of habitats, physiological ecology, chemical compositions, physical
properties, and bioactivities of secondary metabolites between yellow cypress and red cypress.