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]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{Short description|Species of plant}}
+{{short description|Species of plant}}
 {{Taxobox
 | name = Juniperus oxycedrus
 | image = Juniperus_oxycedrus.jpg
-| image_caption = Juniperus oxycedrus foliage and berries
+| image_caption = Juniperus oxycedrus foliage
-| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+| status = LC
-| divisio = [[Pinophyta]]
+| status_system = IUCN3.1
-| classis = [[Pinopsida]]
+| genus = Juniperus
-| ordo = [[Pinales]]
+| species = J. oxycedrus
-| familia = [[Cupressaceae]]
+| authority = L.
-| genus = ''[[Juniperus]]''
-| species = '''''J. oxycedrus'''''
-| binomial = ''Juniperus oxycedrus''
-| binomial_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
 }}
-'''''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''', 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==
-''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_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.
-[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_foliage.jpg|thumb|left|Foliage of ''Juniperus oxycedrus'']]
+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.
-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==
+[[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]].
-==Distribution and Habitat==
+==Uses==
-''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.
+[[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==
-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.
+[[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.
-==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.
+[[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 communis]]
+* [[Juniperus]]
 * [[Cupressaceae]]
-* [[Mediterranean flora]]
+* [[Mediterranean Basin]]
+[[File:Juniperus_oxycedrus_(عرعر_كادي),_Tlemcen_-_03.jpg|thumb|right|Juniperus oxycedrus foliage and berries]]
 [[Category:Juniperus|oxycedrus]]
 [[Category:Flora of the Mediterranean Basin]]
-[[Category:Trees of Europe]]
+[[Category:Trees of Mediterranean climate]]
-[[Category:Trees of Africa]]
-[[Category:Trees of Asia]]