Junipers of Crimea: where they grow, types and their description

For many decades, Crimea has been a favorite vacation spot for tourists from around the world. People from all over the world come to this wonderful peninsula, which never ceases to amaze not only with its unique climate, clear sea, azure coasts, landscape and natural attractions, but also with its flora and fauna.

Rare and unique plants of the peninsula attract the attention of both ordinary travelers and scientists., which in natural conditions have the opportunity to observe the growth and development of flowers, trees and shrubs listed in the Red Book. Despite the wide variety of flora, for many years the main plant in Crimea has been the juniper.

Juniper is considered a symbol of Crimea. Breeding work on the breeding of this plant was begun at the end of the 18th century by the workers of the Nikitsky Botanical Garden. On the territory of the peninsula there are not only local varieties, but also varieties brought from other countries of the world. Juniper grove and forests are the hallmark of Crimea.

Junipers grow and feel comfortable not only on the territory of the peninsula, but also in the Mediterranean countries, as well as in the Caucasus mountains. Plants prefer warm mountainous areas, which are located at an altitude of more than 1 km above sea level, and easily tolerate drought. The growth rate is low and does not exceed a few centimeters per year. The maximum plant height is 8 meters.

The green part of junipers is presented in the form of small and very thin needles that resemble spruce needles. The flowering period occurs at the end of spring, after which red fruits are formed on the stems, which are prohibited for human consumption.Due to the fact that the Crimean juniper is listed in the Red Book, guests of the peninsula are prohibited from picking and exporting a rare and endangered plant. The oldest plants are about 600 years old. A distinctive feature of shrubs that are more than 200 years old is the presence of cracks on the trunk in the form of ribbons and lines.

Botanists have more than 70 species of this plant in Crimea, but only 5 of them are originally Crimean, which were bred by the breeders of the peninsula:

• Red;
• high (tree-like);
• smelly (foul-smelling);
• Cossack;
• ordinary.

Red juniper is a tall plant that can be up to 8 meters high. Thanks to sharp needles, the people call the tree a thorn, and in the specialized literature you can find the following names:

• Spanish;
• red cedar;
• prickly cedar;
• cedar heather.

Juniper high - a huge and powerful tree, on which burgundy fruits are formed after flowering.

Stinky juniper - an unusual plant that gives off an unpleasant aroma. The green needles of the tree have a dark shade, and the small fruits are black.

Juniper Cossack - the most common shrub on the peninsula, which has thornless needles and a creeping appearance. On the basis of this plant, breeders have bred more than 35 species of new bushes, which can be seen not only in the wild, but also in parks, recreation areas and near residential buildings. The maximum height of the shrub is 2 meters, but due to its rapid expansion in width, the bush covers the entire surrounding area in a short time.

Common juniper - the only non-poisonous species, the fruits of which can be used as a spice for making gin. The crown of the tree has an oval or pyramidal shape. The color of the needles is deep green.

To obtain new plants of the Crimean juniper, biologists recommend using the cuttings method. This procedure can be carried out throughout the year, but the most favorable time for plant propagation is early spring. Low temperatures and regular rains will help young shoots to quickly take root and get stronger before the onset of cold weather.

The breeding process begins with harvesting cuttings in the evening or in cloudy weather. Experts do not recommend cutting off the branches under the scorching sun, the radiation of which will have a negative effect on both the mother bush and the cuttings. Use only sharp cutting tools to separate branches.

At a height of 5 cm from the cut, all needles should be completely removed and immediately planted in the ground. If it is impossible to carry out a quick planting, the prepared shoots must be dipped in water or wrapped in a wet napkin, but for no more than 4 hours. With longer storage, the cuttings will not be able to take root and will simply dry out.

The soil of the planting containers should consist of a mixture of equal proportions of sand and peat with the addition of eggshells or wood ash. The optimum planting depth is 3-4 cm. The shoots should be placed in a warm and humid room, protected from direct sunlight. The first few days, the cuttings need regular watering and spraying, the soil should not be allowed to dry out.Under favorable conditions, after 60 days, the cuttings will begin to form the first shoots.

A transplant into open ground can be carried out only after 12 months, when the root system is fully formed and strengthened.

Crimean juniper is not only a beautiful plant, but also very useful. Scientists have found unique phytoncides in the essential oil of the bush, which have destructive properties for most of the dangerous microorganisms. Doctors note a low incidence rate and a long life span for residents of the mountainous regions of Crimea. Traditional healers use tree branches to disinfect premises, and using a broom from this plant while visiting a bath will help get rid of many diseases.

Modern healers use tinctures with a plant to treat the following pathologies:

• inflammation of the respiratory system;
• diseases of the kidneys and urinary system;
• skin rashes and dermatitis;
• neurological pain;
• insomnia;
• joint diseases, sciatica and polyarthritis;
• allergic rashes.

The juniper kitchen utensils that tourists purchase from the peninsula weren't always just pretty souvenirs. The indigenous people of Crimea used this utensil every day in their everyday life - it allowed them to keep food fresh for a long period of time.

The fruits of this plant have found their application in cooking. They make tinctures and mixes for hookahs, boil syrup for the confectionery industry, and also add to the brine for fish. Experienced housewives use fruit seasoning for meat dishes, sauces, gravies, broths, sauerkraut, baked potatoes and minced meat.

Juniper root system is used in the production of strong yarns, which are then used to join the planks without nails in the manufacture of sailboats. Not only dishes are cut out of wood, but also interior items, pencils, jewelry and decorative knick-knacks.

See below about the Crimean juniper.