Junipers of the Crimea: where they grow, species and their description

For many decades, Crimea has been a favorite vacation spot for tourists from around the world. From all over the world people come to this wonderful peninsula, which does not cease to amaze not only with its unique climate, clear sea, azure shores, 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 representatives, for many years the main plant of the Crimea is juniper.

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

Junipers grow and feel comfortable not only on the peninsula, but also in the Mediterranean countries, as well as in the mountains of the Caucasus. 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 several centimeters per year. The maximum height of plants is 8 meters.

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

Botanists account for more than 70 species of this plant in the 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 whose height can reach 8 meters. Thanks to sharp needles, the people call the tree a thorn, and in 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.

Smelly Juniper - An unusual plant from which an unpleasant aroma emanates. The green needles of the tree have a dark shade, and small fruits are painted black.

Juniper Cossack - The most common shrub on the peninsula, which has a spineless needles and creeping appearance. Based on 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 bush is 2 meters, but thanks to the rapid growth in width, the bush in a short time covers the entire nearby territory.

Juniper - the only non-toxic species whose fruits can be used as a spice for the preparation of 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 take root quickly and grow stronger before the onset of cold weather.

The process of reproduction begins with the harvesting of cuttings in the evening or in cloudy weather. Experts do not recommend cutting branches under the scorching sun, the radiation of which will negatively affect both the mother bush and the cuttings. Only sharp cutting tools must be used to separate the branches.

At a height of 5 cm from the place of cut, all needles should be completely removed and immediately dropped into the ground. If it is not possible to carry out a quick landing, the prepared shoots must be immersed in water or wrapped in a wet towel, but not more than 4 hours. With longer storage, the cuttings will not be able to take root and simply dry.

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

A transplant into the open ground can only be carried out 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 discovered unique phytoncides in the essential oil of the bush, which have destructive properties for most of the dangerous microorganisms. Doctors note a low incidence and a long period of life of residents of the mountainous regions of Crimea. Traditional healers use tree branches to disinfect rooms, and using a broom from this plant while visiting the bath will help get rid of many diseases.

Modern healers tinctures with a plant are used 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.

Juniper kitchen utensils that tourists purchase on the peninsula were not always just beautiful souvenirs. The indigenous inhabitants of the Crimea used this utensil daily in their everyday lives - 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 mixtures 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, gravy, broths, sauerkraut, baked potatoes and minced meat.

The root system of juniper is used in the production of strong yarns, which are subsequently used to connect boards without nails in the manufacture of sailing boats. Not only utensils are cut out of wood, but also interior items, pencils, jewelry and decorative trinkets.

About Crimean juniper, see below.