Juniper
Juniperus horizontalis
Family and description
Member of the Cupressaceae family, junipers vary in size and shape, from trees and shrubs to perennial herbaceous species. Under ideal conditions, the Juniperus horizontalis shrub can reach a height of 4 m.
Its leaves are scale-like, 1 to 2 mm long and arranged in opposite pairs or occasionally in spirals of three. Juvenile leaves resemble needles and are 5 to 10 mm long.
It is a dioecious species, with the female plants producing the megastrobiles (berry-like female cones), which hold the seeds. The seeds take about two years to ripen. producing either a male or female cone on each plant.
Origin and habitat
The Juniper occurs spontaneously in Portugal, growing sporadically in Trás-os-Montes and Minho.
Its increasing rarity in the wild is largely attributed to a rapid decline in its habitats, the result of urban growth and other human activities. However, it is cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens, in areas of poorer soils, as it adapts perfectly to the Mediterranean climate, with cool, humid winters and dry, hot summers.
Uses and curiosities
Juniper berries contain butyric acid, which has an unpleasant odour. They are inedible but have traditionally been used for medicinal purposes, as an astringent. The galbulus of the different Juniperus species are used as condiments and to flavour brandy. Its seeds are frequently eaten by carnivores, which benefits its dispersion and germinative process. The central buds were traditionally used in Andalusian cuisine.