Juniper high - a tree whose history goes back millions of years. Since ancient times, this evergreen plant has been valued both for high-quality wood and for its unique healing properties. Unfortunately, in the wild it is found less and less, which is why it is listed in the Red Book. In the article we will talk about what kind of juniper is tall, photos will also be presented.
Plant description
“Spiny” - this is what the Celts called this tree, but the Slavs gave a completely different definition: “growing between firs” - “juniper”. This evergreen tree belongs to the order of cypress. Juniper high - a relatively small plant. But compared to other representatives of the species reaches the largest sizes.
What is this tree? Its main characteristics are a height of up to 15 meters, a rounded crown and a brown bark, the scales of which tend to exfoliate. Among the dense needles, one can notice young shoots bent by an arc. It is on them that the fruits of juniper grow - small berries. Young, they do not attract attention, however, matured clearly stand out among the bluish-green needles - they have a characteristic dark blue color. White plaque is not uncommon on them.
This species of juniper grows very slowly: by the age of 60 it can only reach a meter in height, and up to a five-meter mark, the tree grows to 140 years. By the way, the average age of juniper is 200 years. However, there are individuals with a 1000-year history.
The tree is very rich in essential oils, so it can only be identified by smell.
Distribution area
With regard to distribution, the juniper high (photo below) prefers a dry, hot climate. Therefore, it occurs throughout the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, in the southern part of Crimea, the mountainous terrain of Pakistan. The Caucasus and Central Asia can also boast of the presence of these beautiful and useful in all senses representatives of the plant world.
The reproduction of the tree is interesting: for the seed to germinate, it must pass through the digestive system of the bird. After this difficult “journey”, the seed becomes capable of germination.
Preferences
Calcite or rocky soil, a large amount of sun - this is what this tree needs for life. Most often, such terrain characteristics are mountain slopes, not quite high. Juniper grows in the lower zones of the mountains. Although there are cases when a tree climbs high enough, for example, there are facts of the growth of juniper at a 4000-meter mark.
The tree is absolutely unpretentious, tolerates both heat and a short-term decrease in temperature. If the thermometer column drops to -25, this is uncritical for the juniper. But too long exposure to such colds, he can not stand.
Most often, the juniper is tall, the description of which is given above, does not grow alone, but creates light forests. The tree feels most comfortable surrounded by firs, oak species and pistachio trees.
Use in medicine
The healing properties of which high juniper is rich are known since ancient times. They are even captured in myths and legends. So, it was with the help of this plant that Jason got the golden fleece (Myths of Ancient Greece). Using the sleeping pills of a juniper tree, he euthanized the snake guard and thus fulfilled his mission.
The aroma of wood truly works wonders of healing. Being in the woods of juniper, breathing in therapeutic fumes, you can get rid of many diseases. These trees are able to clean the air much better than other conifers. Our ancestors used this quality: they fumigated the rooms with juniper, if there were patients. Virgil also advised doing the same during outbreaks of cholera in ancient Rome.
It’s not only useful for junipers to breathe: in order to better heal and destroy bacteria, wounds are healed with oil. The juniper tree is useful for arthritis and rheumatism: just wipe the sore spots with essential oil.
Juniper is taken high inside for colds: a decoction is prepared from its cones and given to a tablespoon to the patient. Tea from the fruits of the tree is also recommended for people suffering from diseases of the heart and blood vessels.
It should be remembered that the plant has serious contraindications: it should never be used by pregnant women and people with acute kidney diseases.
Rich in healing properties, high juniper was endowed with our ancestors and esoteric qualities. It was used to remove damage, protect from dark forces, make amulets.
Household use
So rich in bactericidal qualities, juniper has excellent wood, which is also resistant to rot. An example of the use of such material is the famous Genoese fortress in the city of Sudak. The ceilings in its basements are made of juniper trunks, and they have not failed in the 700-year history of the architectural monument.
The columns from the trunks of the cargo of the three floors of the fortress steadily hold. It is worth noting that elements made not from juniper have long required reconstruction. Also made of wood are dishes, toys, salaries for icons.
Juniper berries are also used for domestic purposes. Rich in sugar, before the revolution they were its source for many people living in places of its growth.
