Juniperus oxycedrus: Difference between revisions

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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 and berries
| regnum = [[Plantae]]
| divisio = [[Pinophyta]]
| classis = [[Pinopsida]]
| ordo = [[Pinales]]
| familia = [[Cupressaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Juniperus]]''
| species = '''''J. oxycedrus'''''
| binomial = ''Juniperus oxycedrus''
| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|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]], which includes other coniferous trees and shrubs.
''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.
''Juniperus oxycedrus'' is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are needle-like, arranged in whorls of three, and are typically 5–20 mm long. The plant is dioecious, meaning that male and female reproductive structures are found on separate plants.


== Uses ==
[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_foliage.jpg|thumb|left|Foliage of ''Juniperus oxycedrus'']]
''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 ==
The [[cones]] are berry-like, with a diameter of 7–12 mm, and mature in about 18 months. They are initially green, turning orange-red when ripe. Each cone contains 3–6 seeds.
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.


== See Also ==
==Distribution and Habitat==
''Juniperus oxycedrus'' is found throughout the [[Mediterranean Basin]], including parts of [[Southern Europe]], [[North Africa]], and [[Western Asia]]. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, often on rocky or sandy soils.
 
==Ecology==
The prickly juniper plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for various [[wildlife]] species. The berries are consumed by birds, which help in seed dispersal. The dense foliage offers protection for small animals.
 
==Uses==
The wood of ''Juniperus oxycedrus'' is valued for its durability and aromatic properties. It is used in making furniture and as a source of [[essential oils]]. The oil, known as cade oil, is extracted from the wood and used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.
 
[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_berries.jpg|thumb|right|Ripe berries of ''Juniperus oxycedrus'']]
 
==Conservation==
While ''Juniperus oxycedrus'' is not currently considered endangered, its habitat is threatened by human activities such as [[deforestation]] and [[urbanization]]. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices.
 
==Related pages==
* [[Juniperus communis]]
* [[Cupressaceae]]
* [[Cupressaceae]]
* [[Mediterranean Basin]]
* [[Mediterranean flora]]
* [[Traditional medicine]]
* [[Conservation status]]
 
== References ==
<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 Europe]]
{{medicine-stub}}
[[Category:Trees of Africa]]
== Juniperus_oxycedrus ==
[[Category:Trees of Asia]]
<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>

Revision as of 17:31, 18 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, which includes other coniferous trees and shrubs.

Description

Juniperus oxycedrus is an evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 10 meters in height. The leaves are needle-like, arranged in whorls of three, and are typically 5–20 mm long. The plant is dioecious, meaning that male and female reproductive structures are found on separate plants.

File:Juniperus oxycedrus foliage.jpg
Foliage of Juniperus oxycedrus

The cones are berry-like, with a diameter of 7–12 mm, and mature in about 18 months. They are initially green, turning orange-red when ripe. Each cone contains 3–6 seeds.

Distribution and Habitat

Juniperus oxycedrus is found throughout the Mediterranean Basin, including parts of Southern Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia. It thrives in a variety of habitats, from coastal areas to mountainous regions, often on rocky or sandy soils.

Ecology

The prickly juniper plays a significant role in its ecosystem. It provides food and shelter for various wildlife species. The berries are consumed by birds, which help in seed dispersal. The dense foliage offers protection for small animals.

Uses

The wood of Juniperus oxycedrus is valued for its durability and aromatic properties. It is used in making furniture and as a source of essential oils. The oil, known as cade oil, is extracted from the wood and used in traditional medicine and cosmetics.

File:Juniperus oxycedrus berries.jpg
Ripe berries of Juniperus oxycedrus

Conservation

While Juniperus oxycedrus is not currently considered endangered, its habitat is threatened by human activities such as deforestation and urbanization. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable land use practices.

Related pages