Family: Cupressaceae
Author: M.Bieb.
Bibliography: Tabl. Prov. Mer Casp.: 120 (1798)
Year: 1798
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Juniperus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: N. Balkan Pen. to Israel and Caucasus
Description
The Crimean juniper, scientifically known as Juniperus excelsa, is a remarkable coniferous tree that belongs to the Cupressaceae family. First documented in 1798 by M.Bieb., this species has since become noted for its fascinating range and distinct characteristics.
Native to the regions extending from the northern Balkan Peninsula to Israel and the Caucasus, the Crimean juniper thrives in diverse climatic conditions, showcasing its adaptability and resilience. Its natural habitat includes rocky slopes and mountainous terrains, often providing critical ecological support in these environments by preventing soil erosion and offering a habitat for various fauna.
Juniperus excelsa is distinguished by its towering height, with some specimens growing exceptionally tall, thus earning the name “excelsa.” The tree is adorned with needle-like leaves that are a deep green, creating a striking contrast against its rugged bark. Its berries, which transition from green to a bluish-black hue as they mature, are not only visually appealing but also serve as a food source for wildlife.
Ecologically, the Crimean juniper plays a significant role in its native habitats. It is often part of a broader ecosystem that includes a variety of plant and animal species. The tree’s ability to withstand harsh conditions makes it a valuable species for conservation efforts, especially in areas prone to desertification or climatic extremes.
In addition to its ecological importance, the Crimean juniper has been used historically for various purposes. Its durable wood is often sought after for construction and crafting, while the aromatic foliage and berries have found use in traditional medicine and culinary practices.
The Crimean juniper is a prominent and resilient species that enriches the biodiversity of its native regions. Its presence from the northern Balkan Peninsula to Israel and the Caucasus highlights its adaptability and ecological significance, making it a tree of both scientific interest and natural beauty.
Common Names
Tur: ardiç, boylu ardiç
Eng: crimean juniper, grecian juniper, greek juniper, turkestan juniper
Ita: ginepro di siria
Deu: griechischer wacholder
Hun: görög boróka
Uzb: parmiro alañ
Fra: genévrier de grèce
Rus: можжевельник высокий (mozhzhevel’nik vysokij)
Zho: 乔桧 (qiao gui)
Ara: لزاب
En: Crimean juniper, Grecian juniper, Greek juniper, Turkestan juniper
Ar: لزاب
Zh: 乔桧 (qiao gui)
Fr: Genévrier de Grèce
De: Griechischer Wacholder
He: ערער ברושי
Hu: Görög boróka
It: Ginepro di Siria
Ru: Можжевельник высокий (mozhzhevel’nik vysokij)
Tr: Ardiç, Boylu ardiç
Uz: Parmiro alañ
Synonyms
- Juniperus venusta (Gordon)
- Sabina olivieri ((Carrière) Antoine)
- Sabina excelsa ((M.Bieb.) Antoine)
- Juniperus excelsa f. stricta ((Jacob-Makoy) Rehder)
- Juniperus stricta ((Jacob-Makoy) Gordon)
- Juniperus aegaea (Griseb.)
- Juniperus excelsa var. stricta ((Jacob-Makoy) Rafarin)
- Sabina religiosa (Antoine)
- Juniperus foetida var. excelsa ((M.Bieb.) Spach)
- Juniperus lasdeliana (P.Lawson ex Gordon & Glend.)
- Juniperus sabina var. taurica (Pall.)
- Sabina isophyllos ((K.Koch) Antoine)
- Juniperus excelsa var. depressa (O.Schwarz)
- Juniperus sabina var. excelsa ((M.Bieb.) Georgi)
- Juniperus isophyllos (K.Koch)
- Juniperus perkinsii (Gordon)
- Juniperus olivieri (Carrière)
- Juniperus excelsa stricta (Jacob-Makoy)
Distribution
- Albania (native)
- Bulgaria (native)
- Cyprus (native)
- Greece (native)
- Krym (native)
- Lebanon-Syria (native)
- North Caucasus (native)
- Palestine (native)
- Transcaucasus (native)
- Turkey (native)
- Yugoslavia (native)
- Italy (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Francois Mansour (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60461568-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684626)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juniperus excelsa M.Bieb.)