Juniperus foetidissima Stinking Juniper
Unlike our needle leaved, low growing Juniper in the British Isles, this is a tree which can be long lived - up to 500 years or more. It is found in south eastern Mediterranean as well as the near east and although usually dioecious (male and female flowers on separate plants) some trees can be monoecious. The species name foetidissima means very smelly and refers to the foetid aroma of the crushed leaves.
The seeds of Juniper are most often distributed by birds consuming the berries and the tree can become a host for Mistletoe the berries of which attract birds to the tree.
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| Juniperus foetidissima Stinking Juniper |
By Persephone trail, Troodos mountains, Cyprus 14th April 2011
Added on June 3rd 2011, updated 14th January 2021