Juniperus thurifera

Taxobox
name = "Juniperus thurifera"
status = LR/lc | status_system = IUCN2.3

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Juniperus thurifera" at Prádena de la Sierra (Segovia, Spain)
regnum = Plantae
divisio = Pinophyta
classis = Pinopsida
ordo = Pinales
familia = Cupressaceae
genus = "Juniperus"
species = "J. thurifera"
binomial = "Juniperus thurifera"
binomial_authority = L.

"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.Adams, R. P. (2004). "Junipers of the World". Trafford. ISBN 1-4120-4250-X] Farjon, A. (2005). "Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys". Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1-84246-068-4]

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.Ecology and conservation of "Juniperus thurifera" [http://n.montes.free.fr/uspage.html "Juniperus thurifera" website] ] Gymnosperm Database: [http://www.conifers.org/cu/ju/thurifera.htm "Juniperus thurifera"] ]

There are two varieties, regarded as distinct by some authors, but not by others:
*"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;IUCN2006|assessors=Conifer Specialist Group|year=1998|id=42255|title=Juniperus thurifera|downloaded=12 May 2006] however, the African population is threatened by severe overgrazing, mainly by goats, and is listed as Endangered.

References and external links