Juniperus indica
Bertol.
Cupressaceae
Juniperus rushforthiana (R.P.Adams) R.P.Adams
Juniperus wallichiana Hook.f. & Thomson ex E.Brandis
Sabina indica (Bertol.) L.K.Fu & Y.F.Yu
Sabina wallichiana (Hook.f. & Thomson ex E.Brandis) W.C.Cheng & L.K.Fu
Common Name: Black Juniper
General Information
Juniperus indica is an erect to procumbent, evergreen shrub, usually growing around 2 metres tall, sometimes growing taller and becoming more tree-like. At the higher elevations of its range it becomes a low-growing shrub[
266- Title
- Flora of China
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
- Publisher
- Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
- Year
- 1994
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
272- Title
- Plants and People of Nepal
- Publication
-
- Author
- Manandhar. N. P.
- Publisher
- Timber Press. Oregon.
- Year
- 2002
- ISBN
- 0-88192-527-6
- Description
- Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
,
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials. Products from the plant are sold in local markets. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
This species has a large range, is locally common in at least parts of its distribution and there are no known threats. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
Known Hazards
None known
Botanical References
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Range
E. Asia - Himalayan regions of Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and China (Xizang, Sichuan, Yunnan)
Habitat
Upper montane coniferous forest and woodland, sometimes forming pure stands, to alpine heath and grassland and into the bare moraines and scree of the niveous zone; at elevations from 3,600 - 4,800 metres[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
Properties
Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Medicinal Rating | |
Other Uses Rating | |
Habit | Evergreen Shrub |
Height | 2.00 m |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Pollinators | Wind |
Self-fertile | No |
Cultivation Status | Ornamental, Wild |
Cultivation Details
Juniperus indica is a moderately cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate temperatures down to around -20°c when fully dormant[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. The climate where it grows is high montane to alpine with a pronounced monsoon phase delivering heavy precipitation (much as snow) from May to October (Spring to early winter)[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil.
Black Juniper is probably rare in cultivation, often listed as Juniperus wallichiana or Juniperus pseudosabina; the first being a synonym and the latter a closely related species from Central Asia[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
The recently discovered variety Juniperus indica var. caespitosa is a decumbent form suitable as a ground cover in the rock gardens, but not yet in cultivation. The growth habit of the species is erect, but varies from shrub to small tree. Both forms are commendable for horticulture, but slow growing. In the Himalayas, where Black Juniper is common and widespread[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
Edible Uses
None known
Medicinal
The fruits are eaten as a treatment for fevers and headaches[
272- Title
- Plants and People of Nepal
- Publication
-
- Author
- Manandhar. N. P.
- Publisher
- Timber Press. Oregon.
- Year
- 2002
- ISBN
- 0-88192-527-6
- Description
- Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
].
The fruits are used as an elixir and are also considered to be beneficial for the heart and to relax the mind[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
]
The leaves and fruits are used in the treatment of kidney disorders, skin disease, fevers, coughs, colds, wounds, and in paralysis of limbs[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
].
A powder of the leaves and fruits is taken with milk to treat coughs and colds, tonsillitis, headaches, malarial fever, neck pain and to lower blood pressure[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
]
The leaves are used in the treatment of diarrhoea, constipation, asthma, fever, gout, rheumatism, lymph disorder (‘chuser’) and sores[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
].
An essential oil obtained from the leaves and fruits is antiseptic and diuretic[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
].
Other Uses
The leaves yield 0.27 - 0.80% essential oil and the fruits 0.8 - 1.6%. The main components are sabinene (19.4 - 31.3%), beta-thujone (4.5 - 25.8%), terpinen-4-ol (3.7 - 13.0%) and trans-sabinyl acetate (7.6 - 24.3%). The oil is used in fragrance compounding, to scent pharmaceutical and technical preparations, as well as in cosmetic products such as soaps, room sprays, disinfectants etc[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
].
The leaves and twigs are highly valued for use as an incense[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
]. They are burned as incense in Buddhist temples[
272- Title
- Plants and People of Nepal
- Publication
-
- Author
- Manandhar. N. P.
- Publisher
- Timber Press. Oregon.
- Year
- 2002
- ISBN
- 0-88192-527-6
- Description
- Excellent book, covering over 1,500 species of useful plants from Nepal together with information on the geography and peoples of Nepal. Good descriptions of the plants with terse notes on their uses.
,
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
].
The dried leaves are used as tinder to start fires as they easily catch light[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
]
The tree trunks are very durable and are used as poles while building houses[
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
].
The wood is used for fuel in high altitude settlements, and is especially valued in the treeless arid region and pasture areas,[
338- Title
- IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.iucnredlist.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A list of plants under threat and facing possible extinction, usually with brief details of the threats and information on habitat.
,
1977- Title
- Non-Timber Forest Products of Nepal Himalaya - database of some important species found in the mountain protected ar
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ghimire S.K. et al
- Publisher
- WWF Nepal, Kathmandu, Nepal
- Year
- 2008
- ISBN
- 978-99946-837-9-6
- Description
-
].
Propagation
The seed requires a period of cold stratification. The seed has a hard seedcoat and can be very slow to germinate, requiring a cold period followed by a warm period and then another cold spell, each of 2 - 3 months duration[
78- Title
- Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Sheat. W. G.
- Publisher
- MacMillan and Co
- Year
- 1948
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
,
81- Title
- Conifers.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Rushforth. K.
- Publisher
- Christopher Helm
- Year
- 1987
- ISBN
- 0-7470-2801-X
- Description
- Deals with conifers that can be grown outdoors in Britain. Good notes on cultivation and a few bits about plant uses.
]. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process[
11- Title
- Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Vol 1 - 4 and Supplement.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bean. W.
- Publisher
- Murray
- Year
- 1981
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A classic with a wealth of information on the plants, but poor on pictures.
]. The seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Some might germinate in the following spring, though most will take another year. Another possibility is to harvest the seed 'green' (when the embryo has fully formed but before the seedcoat has hardened). The seedlings can be potted up into individual pots when they are large enough to handle. Grow on in pots until large enough, then plant out in early summer. When stored dry, the seed can remain viable for several years[
1- Title
- RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
- Publication
-
- Author
- F. Chittendon.
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Year
- 1951
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
].
Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/early autumn in a cold frame. The cuttings root easily[
1050- Title
- Fire Effects Information System
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.feis-crs.org/feis/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An on-line information site with comprehensive information on over 1,100 species of plant. Mainly developed to supply information on the effects of fire on plants and animals, it also contains a wealth of other information on the plants
]. Plant out in the following autumn[
1- Title
- RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
- Publication
-
- Author
- F. Chittendon.
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Year
- 1951
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
,
78- Title
- Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Sheat. W. G.
- Publisher
- MacMillan and Co
- Year
- 1948
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[
78- Title
- Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Sheat. W. G.
- Publisher
- MacMillan and Co
- Year
- 1948
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A bit dated but a good book on propagation techniques with specific details for a wide range of plants.
].
If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.