Tetraclinis is a distinct genus of evergreen coniferous tree in the cypress family Cupressaceae, containing only a single metal money, Tetraclinis articulata, as well referred to as Sandarac. These are indigen to northwestern Africa in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia, with deuce little outlying populations in Malta, and touching Cartagena in southeast Spain. It grows at comparatively moo altitudes inside the hot, dry subtropic Mediterranean climate.

Its nearest relatives come Platycladus, Microbiota and Calocedrus, with a nighest resemblance to the latter. Around older texts, it was occasionally treated inside Thuja or Callitris, but these are less closely related victims genera.

These are the little, slow-growing tree, to 1Cipher-15 m tall & 0.Iv m trunk across. A foliage forms around open sprays sustaining shell-rather leaves 1-5 millimetre yearn. A cones are 10-15 mm hanker, green ripening red withinside astir Eighter from either decatur months from pollenation, & stand quaternity heavy scales intended in 2 paired pairs. A seeds are 5-7 millimetre hanker & Two millimetre wide, sustaining the Three-Four millimeter broad chartaceous wing in every side.

Uses and symbolism
A resin (sandarac) is used to produce varnish and lacquer; it is particularly valued for preserving paintings.

These are a national tree of Malta, where these are referred to as Gharghar (from either a Arabic title Araar). These are nowadays existence utilized locally around afforestation projects.