Himalayan juniper, Drooping Juniper
Juniperus recurva

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

An evergreen tree. It is a narrow cone shape and grows 15 m high. The bark is red brown and peels in strips. The leaves are needle like and slender. It is 6 mm long. They occur in rings of three and have sharp points. They are grey-green above. There are 2 white bands underneath. The leaves are dry and papery to touch. Male and female flowers occur in the same plant. Males are yellow and female flowers green. The fruit are berry-like and blue-black. They are 8 mm long.

There are 50 to 60 Juniperus species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows naturally in south west China and the Himalayas. It grows in high mountains. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, China, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The fruit yield an oil probably used in flavouring. The twigs are used in the distillation of spirits.

Edible parts

Fruit, flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bhairungpati, Bhedara, Chikboo, Phulu, Thelu, Tupi, Wetyar

Synonyms

Juniperus recurva var. squamosa Parl.;