Juniperus phoenicea (Juniper Tree)
At lower altitudes one will find the Maquis forests, one of the predominant species is the Juniper tree (Juniperus phoenicea). Restricted to the area of Troodos, in regions with an altitude of 1000 to 1950 m (Prodromos, Kryos Potamos, Chionistra, Almirolivado, Kannoures and in other areas).
The genus consists of about 60 species, with predominantly the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. A long-living, evergreen tree, usually 3-5 m in Cyprus, but sometimes up to 20 m, living up to 1500 years. Its bark is usually conical in the beginning, and later becomes spherical or irregular. The bark is asphaltic and flakes in strips, while the wood is very hard, compact, odorous and resistant to attack by insects and fungi. The flowers are unisexual, male cones are small, apical, tan, while the female is axillary with a blue-black color. It grows from December to June. It is mostly a dioecious plant, that means in nature there are male and female plants, while more sparsely one can find plants bearing both male and female flowers.
The Juniper tree can also be used as an ornament. Its wood may be used in traditional building and furniture and small wood pieces, while due to its resistance, aroma and particularly and its attractive colours (intense reddish color) is excellent and highly sought after for carving. Finally, it is very good as firewood and as a repellent of moths in the home.
Location
Flora - Fauna
Alnus Orientalis (Oriental Alder)
In large river areas, another predominant species is the Alnus orientalis. It is a deciduous tree, short-lived, with a narrow crown and a height of 20 m. Its trunk is covered with a grayish bark with vertical slits. The leaves are simple, ovate or elon
Arbutus Andrachne (Greek strawberry tree)
A very common shrub of the forests of Cyprus. Also called Koumaria. English-speaking people call it the Greek Strawberry Tree, because its fruit look like small strawberries. These red fruits are an attractive food for birds living in the forest. It’s
Berberis Cretica (Cretan Barberry)
Berberis cretica is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 1 m. It is found in the Troodos Mountains at quite large altitudes. It carries obovate leaves and yellow pleasantly smelling flowers. Its fruits are dark berries that mature at the end of s
Ceratonia Silique (Carob Tree)
At the lower altitudes of Troodos prevails the Carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua). The carob tree is a medium-sized tree, which can grow up to 10 meters tall, with mostly sparse vegetation, spherical and strong shoots with a rough bark. The leaves are comp