Juniperus semiglobosa

Juniperus semiglobosa
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Gymnospermae
Division:	Pinophyta
Class:	Pinopsida
Order:	Cupressales
Family:	Cupressaceae
Genus:	Juniperus
Section:	Juniperus sect. Sabina
Species:	J. semiglobosa
Binomial name
Juniperus semiglobosa Regel

Juniperus semiglobosa, the Himalayan pencil juniper, is a species of juniper native to the mountains of Central Asia, in northeastern Afghanistan, westernmost China (Xinjiang), northern Pakistan, southeastern Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, western Nepal, northern India, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. It grows at altitudes of 1,550–4,420 metres (5,090–14,500 feet).^[2][3][4][1]

Description

Juniperus semiglobosa is an evergreen coniferous shrub or small to medium-sized tree growing to heights of 5–15 metres (16–49 feet), rarely 20 m (66 ft), with a trunk diameter of up to 1.2 m (4 ft), rarely to 2–6 m (6+1⁄2–19+1⁄2 ft). It has flaky bark. The leaves are of two forms, juvenile needle-like leaves 3–7 millimetres (1⁄8–1⁄4 inch) long on seedlings and occasionally (as regrowth after browsing damage) on adult plants, and adult scale-leaves 1–2 mm long on older plants; they are arranged in decussate opposite pairs or whorls of three.

The cones are flattened globose (from which the name semiglobosa) to bi-lobed or triangular, berry-like, 4–6 mm long and 4–8 mm across, blue-black, and contain two or three seeds; they are mature in about 18 months. The pollen cones are 3–5 mm long, and shed their pollen in spring. It is usually dioecious (male and female cones on separate plants), but occasionally monoecious (male and female cones on the same plant).^[2][3][4]

Varieties

A variety Juniperus semiglobosa var. talassica has been described from Kyrgyzstan as having sweeter cone pulp, but does not differ from the type in genetics or leaf chemistry, and is not usually regarded as distinct.^[2][3]

Culture

Juniperus semiglobosa, locally "shukpa", is the state tree of Ladakh, where it is found in Leh and Kargil districts. It is locally used in religious ceremonies. However, such uses have led to excessive harvesting of the species.^[5]

References

1. Farjon, A. (2013). "Juniperus semiglobosa". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T42253A2967149. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T42253A2967149.en. Retrieved 16 November 2021.
2. Adams, R. P. (2004). Junipers of the World. Trafford. ISBN 1-4120-4250-X
3. Farjon, A. (2005). Monograph of Cupressaceae and Sciadopitys. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. ISBN 1-84246-068-4
4. Flora of China: Juniperus semiglobosa
5. "Ladakh Designates Juniper Tree as State Tree, Embracing Cultural and Environmental Heritage". Voice of Ladakh. 25 October 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.

• Zsolt Debreczy; Istvan Racz (2012). Kathy Musial (ed.). Conifers Around the World (1st ed.). DendroPress. p. 1089. ISBN 978-9632190617.

External links

• Conifers Around the World: Juniperus semiglobosa - Tien Shan Foetid Juniper.