Juniperus turbinata

This species of juniper is a small evergreen tree that normally grows to 4-5 m in height, although there are particularly robust specimens that are more than 8 m tall. The crown is rounded but becomes flattened when subjected to the constant buffeting of the wind. This force can also result in trees that lean and which have deformed trunks and branches. The bark is reddish brown or dark grey in colour and cracks with age. The twigs are cylindrical and smooth to the touch. They are formed by more or less triangular-shaped leaves, 2-3 mm in length, that are green to whitish and which overlap like the scales on a fish. All the leaves contain essential oils and are very aromatic. This species produces tiny, inconspicuous blooms between February and April. Male and female flowers are usually found on the same plant. It develops spherical false fruits (galbuli), approximately 1 cm in diameter, which are reddish brown when ripe. These hold between 4 and 10 seeds and are usually covered by a whitish layer, as if they had dust on them (bloom).