Temple juniper (Juniperus rigida, Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(3): 233 (1846))

Family: Cupressaceae

Author: Siebold & Zucc.

Bibliography: Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(3): 233 (1846)

Year: 1846

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Juniperus

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Qinghai to Sakhalin and Nansei-shoto

Description

Temple juniper, identified scientifically as Juniperus rigida, is a distinguished member of the Cupressaceae family. The species has a rich historical context, first described by renowned botanists Siebold & Zucc. in the mid-19th century, specifically in their publication within the “Abhandlungen der Mathematisch-Physikalischen Klasse der Königlich Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften” in the year 1846.

Geographically, the Temple juniper thrives across a broad expanse of East Asia. It is notably found from the eastern reaches of Qinghai to the grassy plains of Sakhalin, extending its presence to the subtropical regions of the Nansei-shoto islands. This wide distribution underscores the juniper’s adaptability to various climatic and environmental conditions.

The Temple juniper is revered not only for its hardiness but also for its aesthetic and cultural significance. Its robust, needle-like foliage and elegant form make it a popular choice in traditional temple gardens and as a specimen tree in landscaping. Apart from its ornamental value, this juniper species often holds spiritual and symbolic importance in the regions where it is native.

In its natural habitat, Juniperus rigida often forms part of the region’s coniferous forest ecology. It plays a vital role in the ecosystem, offering shelter and sustenance to local fauna. The tree’s durable, resilient wood is often utilized in various practical applications, further contributing to its value.

In summary, the Temple juniper, or Juniperus rigida, stands as a botanical gem with a storied past, a broad ecological range, and a functional role in both natural and cultivated settings. Its presence from the highlands of Qinghai to the diverse islands of Nansei-shoto highlights not only its versatility but also its integral place in the botanical and cultural landscapes of East Asia.

Common Names

Hun: mandzsu boróka
Deu: nadel-wacholder
Eng: needle juniper, temple juniper
Fra: genévrier rigide
Rus: можжевельник твёрдый (mozhzhevel’nik tvjordyj)
Zho: 崩松 (beng song), 杜松 (du song)
Jpn: miyamenezu, muro, nezo, nezumisashi, nijiko
En: Temple juniper, Needle juniper
Zh: Du song, 崩松 (beng song), 杜松 (du song)
Fr: Genévrier rigide
De: Nadel-Wacholder
Hu: Mandzsu boróka
Ja: Nijiko, Muro, Nezu, Nezumi-sashi, Miyamenezu, Nezo, Nezumisashi
Ko: Noganjunamu
Ru: Можжевельник твёрдый (mozhzhevel’nik tvjordyj)

Synonyms

• Juniperus coreana var. rigida ((Siebold & Zucc.) Nakai)

Distribution

• China North-Central (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Japan (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nansei-shoto (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• California (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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.

Bark

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 29, 2019 by Diego Alex (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 26, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 3, 2022 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 26, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 23, 2022 by Andrzej Konstantynowicz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 24, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2684517)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:262335-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Juniperus rigida Siebold & Zucc.)

Specifications

Growth