Juniperus oxycedrus: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 14:23, 21 February 2025

Species of plant

Juniperus oxycedrus, commonly known as the prickly juniper, is a species of juniper native to the Mediterranean region. It is a member of the family Cupressaceae.

Description[edit]

Juniperus oxycedrus is an evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 2–5 meters tall, rarely up to 10 meters. The leaves are needle-like, in whorls of three, and are 5–20 mm long and 1–2 mm broad. They have a single white stomatal band on the inner surface.

The cones are berry-like, 7–12 mm in diameter, orange-red, and mature in about 18 months. The seeds are dispersed by birds that eat the cones and excrete the seeds.

Distribution and habitat[edit]

Juniperus oxycedrus is found throughout the Mediterranean Basin, from Morocco and Portugal in the west to Turkey and Lebanon in the east. It grows in a variety of habitats, including maquis shrubland, garrigue, and open woodland.

Uses[edit]

The wood of Juniperus oxycedrus is valued for its durability and is used in woodworking. The oil extracted from the wood, known as cade oil, is used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

Ecology[edit]

Juniperus oxycedrus plays an important role in its ecosystem, providing food and habitat for various wildlife. The berries are a food source for birds, which in turn help in seed dispersal.

Conservation[edit]

While Juniperus oxycedrus is not currently considered threatened, it faces pressures from habitat loss and climate change. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Juniperus oxycedrus''', commonly known as the [[prickly juniper]], [[cadenet]], or [[Spanish cedar]], is a species of plant in the [[Cupressaceae]] family, which includes other well-known species such as the [[cypress]] and [[cedar]] trees. This species is native to the Mediterranean region, extending into parts of western Asia and northern Africa. It is characterized by its dense, prickly foliage and its distinctive, sharp aroma, which is due to the presence of volatile oils in its wood and leaves.
+{{short description|Species of plant}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Juniperus oxycedrus
+| image = Juniperus_oxycedrus.jpg
+| image_caption = Juniperus oxycedrus foliage
+| status = LC
+| status_system = IUCN3.1
+| genus = Juniperus
+| species = J. oxycedrus
+| authority = L.
+}}
-== Description ==
+'''Juniperus oxycedrus''', commonly known as the [[prickly juniper]], is a species of [[juniper]] native to the [[Mediterranean region]]. It is a member of the family [[Cupressaceae]].
-''Juniperus oxycedrus'' is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 2-10 meters tall. The leaves are needle-like, arranged in whorls of three, and have a sharp point at the tip, which gives the plant its common name. The bark is reddish-brown and peels off in strips. The cones are berry-like, starting out green and maturing to a reddish-brown color. Each cone contains one to three seeds, which are dispersed by birds that eat the berries.
-== Habitat and Distribution ==
+==Description==
-The natural habitat of ''Juniperus oxycedrus'' includes rocky hillsides, scrubland, and open woodlands. It prefers calcareous soils but can also grow on acidic substrates. The species is adapted to a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Its distribution covers the Mediterranean region from Spain and Portugal in the west, through southern France, Italy, the Balkans, and Greece, to Turkey and Lebanon in the east. It is also found in North Africa, including Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco.
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_20120826_3.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of Juniperus oxycedrus foliage]]
+Juniperus oxycedrus is an evergreen shrub or small tree reaching 2–5 meters tall, rarely up to 10 meters. The leaves are needle-like, in whorls of three, and are 5–20 mm long and 1–2 mm broad. They have a single white stomatal band on the inner surface.
-== Uses ==
+The [[cones]] are berry-like, 7–12 mm in diameter, orange-red, and mature in about 18 months. The seeds are dispersed by [[birds]] that eat the cones and excrete the seeds.
-''Juniperus oxycedrus'' has been used for various purposes throughout history. The wood is durable and resistant to rot, making it suitable for construction and fence posts. The volatile oils extracted from the wood and leaves, known as cade oil, have antiseptic and healing properties and have been used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. The berries are used to flavor foods and beverages, most notably gin. In addition, the plant is used in landscaping and as a bonsai specimen due to its aesthetic appeal and resilience.
-== Conservation ==
+==Distribution and habitat==
-While ''Juniperus oxycedrus'' is not currently listed as endangered, its populations are subject to pressure from human activities such as agriculture, urbanization, and overgrazing. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving its natural habitats and promoting sustainable use of the species.
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_04.jpg|thumb|right|Juniperus oxycedrus in Tlemcen]]
+Juniperus oxycedrus is found throughout the [[Mediterranean Basin]], from [[Morocco]] and [[Portugal]] in the west to [[Turkey]] and [[Lebanon]] in the east. It grows in a variety of habitats, including [[maquis shrubland]], [[garrigue]], and open [[woodland]].
-== See Also ==
+==Uses==
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_20120826_2.jpg|thumb|left|Juniperus oxycedrus berries]]
+The wood of Juniperus oxycedrus is valued for its durability and is used in [[woodworking]]. The oil extracted from the wood, known as [[cade oil]], is used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.
+==Ecology==
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen.jpg|thumb|right|Juniperus oxycedrus in its natural habitat]]
+Juniperus oxycedrus plays an important role in its ecosystem, providing food and habitat for various [[wildlife]]. The berries are a food source for birds, which in turn help in seed dispersal.
+==Conservation==
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_02.jpg|thumb|left|Juniperus oxycedrus in Tlemcen, Algeria]]
+While Juniperus oxycedrus is not currently considered threatened, it faces pressures from habitat loss and [[climate change]]. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices.
+==Related pages==
+* [[Juniperus]]
 * [[Cupressaceae]]
 * [[Mediterranean Basin]]
-* [[Traditional medicine]]
-* [[Conservation status]]
-== References ==
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_03.jpg|thumb|right|Juniperus oxycedrus foliage and berries]]
-<references/>
-[[Category:Cupressaceae]]
+[[Category:Juniperus|oxycedrus]]
-[[Category:Flora of the Mediterranean]]
+[[Category:Flora of the Mediterranean Basin]]
-[[Category:Plants used in traditional medicine]]
+[[Category:Trees of Mediterranean climate]]
-{{medicine-stub}}
-== Juniperus_oxycedrus ==
-<gallery>
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_20120826_3.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_04.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus in Tlemcen
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_20120826_2.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus in Tlemcen
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_02.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus in Tlemcen
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_03.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus in Tlemcen
-File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_L,_(عرعر_كادي),_Lalla_Setti,_Tlemcen.jpg|Juniperus oxycedrus in Lalla Setti, Tlemcen
-</gallery>