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]
The name thurifera comes from the Latin turifer, "producer/bearer of incense".
It is a large shrub or tree reaching NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet) tall, with a trunk up to 2abbr=onNaNabbr=on in 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 NaNmm 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]
There are two varieties, regarded as distinct by some authors,[1] [3] but not by others:[2]
Overall, the species is not considered threatened with healthy population in Spain; however, the African population is threatened by severe overgrazing, mainly by goats, and is listed as Endangered.[1] [3]
The largest Spanish Juniper forest in Europe is in the Sierra de Solorio.[4]
thumb|left|upright|Twigs with berries