Juniperus thurifera
| Juniperus thurifera | |
|---|---|
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| Juniperus thurifera at Prádena de la Sierra (Segovia, Spain) | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Division: | Pinophyta |
| Class: | Pinopsida |
| Order: | Pinales |
| Family: | Cupressaceae |
| Genus: | Juniperus |
| Species: | J. thurifera |
| Binomial name | |
| Juniperus thurifera L. | |
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| Natural range | |
Juniperus thurifera (Spanish juniper) is a species of juniper native to the mountains of the western Mediterranean region, from southern France (including Corsica) across eastern and central Spain to Morocco and locally in northern Algeria.[1][2]
It large shrub or tree reaching 6–20 m tall, with a trunk up to 2 m diameter and a broadly conical to rounded or irregular crown. The foliage is strongly aromatic, with a spicy-resinous scent. The leaves are of two forms, juvenile needle-like leaves 8–10 mm long on seedlings and irregularly on adult plants, and adult scale-leaves 0.6–3 mm long on older plants; they are arranged in decussate opposite pairs. It is dioecious with separate male and female plants. The cones are berry-like, 7–12 mm in diameter, blue-black with a whitish waxy bloom, and contain 1-4 seeds; they are mature in about 18 months. The male cones are 3–4 mm long, and shed their pollen in early spring.[1][2][3][4]
There are two varieties, regarded as distinct by some authors,[1][3] but not by others:[2]
- Juniperus thurifera var. thurifera. Spain, France. Mature cones 8–12 mm, with 2-4 seeds.
- Juniperus thurifera var. africana Maire. Morocco, Algeria. Mature cones 7–8 mm, with 1-2 seeds.
Overall, the species is not considered threatened with healthy population in Spain;[5] however, the African population is threatened by severe overgrazing, mainly by goats, and is listed as Endangered.[1][3]
In the Sierra de Solorio there is the largest Spanish Juniper forest in Europe.[6]
References and external links
- 1 2 3 4 Adams, R. P. (2004). Junipers of the World. Trafford. ISBN 1-4120-4250-X
- 1 2 3 Farjon, A. (2005). Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1-84246-068-4
- 1 2 3 Ecology and conservation of Juniperus thurifera Juniperus thurifera website
- ↑ Gymnosperm Database: Juniperus thurifera
- ↑ Conifer Specialist Group (1998). "Juniperus thurifera". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2006. International Union for Conservation of Nature. Retrieved 12 May 2006.
- ↑ El Sabinar más extenso de Europa
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