Atlas Cedars are members of the pine family and are native to Algeria and Morocco in North Africa. They form forests in the Atlas and Rif mountains where they provide habitat for the Barbary Macaque. In their home range, Atlas Cedars are disappearing due to land clearing and timber harvesting.
The species produces an aromatic oil that is a natural insect repellent. The timber is sometimes sourced for furniture-making.
The Atlas Cedar is commonly cultivated as an ornamental tree. Its pleasing, pyramid, Christmas tree shape makes it a popular parkland tree in urban situations. At this time of year in the Southern Hemisphere, the pale-coloured conifer cones add to the Christmas tree effect as they protrude vertically like decorations.
Drouin has two Atlas Cedars in Morton Park at the intersection of Buln Buln and Hopetoun Rds and a single tree in Hearn Park in Hearn St, (and there may be others?). The trees in Morton Park were planted by Buln Buln Shire, circa 1960.