African subpopulations of Juniperus thurifera have been described as distinct species (Juniperus africana (Maire) Villar or more recently as a subspecies (Juniperus thurifera subsp. africana (Maire) Romo and Boratynski (Romo and Boratynski 2007). Genetic analysis also indicates that the Moroccan subpopulations are genetically distinct and have been isolated from other subpopulations for several millennia (Terrab et al. 2008). Although Juniperus thurifera as maintained here as a single taxon (following Farjon 2010), conservation and restoration programmes should use locally sourced material wherever possible[].

Common Name: Spanish Juniper

General Information

Juniperus thurifera is an evergreen tree with a narrowly pyramidal crown when young, becoming wider with age; it usually grows 9 - 12 metres tall, occasionally reaching 20 metres[, ]. The plant often has more than one main trunk, and often branches from near the ground; the bole can be up to 200cm in diameter[].

Both the extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) surpass any threshold of a threatened category. Yet for different reasons, there is a continuing decline, either happening now or projected into the future. The rate of overall decline is not known, in part because of the large EOO of this species. It seems unlikely that the global population will reach levels below an AOO of 2,000 km² within 100 years. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Europe - southern France, Spain, Corse; N. Africa - Morocco, Algeria

Habitat

Semi-arid woodland, extending higher in groves with only very sparse scrub vegetation; preferring calcareous soils in Spain, but indifferent to soil type, usually growing on very rocky, skeletal soils in Morocco; at elevations from 300 - 3,300 metres[]

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Wind
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Juniperus thurifera requires hot summers if it is to thrive, and is not a very cold-hardy plant, able to tolerate short-lived temperatures down to around -8°c when fully dormant[]. The climate in which it grows ranges from continental, semi-arid, with cold winters (in the Atlas Mountains) to continental-Mediterranean, with long dry summers[].
Requires a sunny position and a well-drained soil[].
In horticulture Spanish Juniper is virtually limited to botanic gardens and arboreta, mainly in southern Europe, but some specimens are grown or have been grown as far north as Ireland and the south of England[].
A dioecious species - both male and female forms must be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Edible Uses

The roundish seed cones are 6 - 8mm in diameter, covered with glaucous bloom when ripe[]. No details of any use are given.

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Spanish Juniper is a natural pioneer species, able to colonize open spaces. It has been moving in to abandoned arable lands in Spain in recent decades (as of 2015). As the stand of juniper matures it leads to a decreased grazing intensity and this may favour competing, more palatable and shade-tolerant tree species that benefit from the established juniper cover, triggering succession to a more climax woodland[].

Other Uses

The foliage is used in Spain for incense[].

An essential oil is obtained from the plant[]. No details of usage are given, but juniper essential oils are generally used as flavourings in food and drinks, as ingredients in perfumery, as medicines etc[].

The wood is traditionally utilised in France and Spain for construction, furniture-making and various special uses including fences and various farming tools)[, ].
The wood is used for fuel[].

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[, ]. Soaking the seed for 3 - 6 seconds in boiling water may speed up the germination process[]. 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[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, September/early autumn in a cold frame. Plant out in the following autumn[, ].
Layering in September/early autumn. Takes 12 months[].