Phoenicean juniper
Juniperus phoenicea

Family: Cupressaceae

What it is like

An evergreen shrub. It grows 10 m tall. The leaves are 1 mm long and overlap. They have glands. The cones are cylinder shape and 10-12 mm across. They ripen in the second year. They turn dark reddish-brown. Each cone contains 5 small seeds.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. In Cyprus it grows from sea level to 350 m altitude. In Jordan it grows between 1,200-1,700 m above sea level. It grows on dry slopes and rocky ground. It can grow in arid areas.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Canary Islands, Croatia, Cyprus, Egypt, Europe, France, Italy, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, North Africa, Palestine, Portugal, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Sinai, Spain, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are used for flavouring and in seasoning food.

Edible parts

Fruit - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

A'raar

Synonyms

Cuppressus devoniana Beissn.; and others