The Phoenician juniper and the large-fruited juniper are known for their slow growth and are classified as perennial species.
The Cretan junipers (Juniperus macrocarpa and Juniperus phoenicea) constitute the juniper forests thriving within the dunes of southern Crete. These dunes hold immense ecological significance, providing a crucial habitat for rare animals and plants. Consequently, they have been encompassed within the Junicoast protection programme to safeguard their existence.
Even though the Cretan junipers are situated in remote areas, they attract visitors who come to appreciate their beauty, albeit inadvertently causing harm, such as when camping under their shade, which can damage young shoots.
The primary regions featuring sand dunes and juniper forests in Crete include Kedrodasos in Elafonisi, Gavdos, Grammeno Paleochora, and Chrissi.
The large-fruited juniper (Juniperus macrocarpa) is known for its slow growth and is a perennial species. Only a small percentage of its seeds successfully sprout and survive the first year.
Photo: Unsplash
The flora of Crete
Greek Sage
Cretan Oregano or Cretan Marjoram
Colchicum Balansae - Balansa Colchico
Cretan Zelkova
Carob Tree (Ceratonia Siliqua)
The Cretan Date Palm
Kermes Oak (Quercus Coccifera)
Ironwort
Sand Lily, Sea Lily (Pancratium Maritimum)
Cretan Cyclamen
The Cretan Cephalanthera
Dittany
Gallipoli Rose
Natural Monuments
Lilac Wonder (Tulipa doerfleri)
The Ancient Olive Tree of Vouves
The Olive Tree of Azorias
Olive tree of Samonas
Thyme
Oregano
Camomile
Mint
Preserving the Heritage: Ancient Olive Trees of Crete
The Ancient Olive Tree of Vrysses, Amari
Bali's Ancient Olive Tree: Documented in Preservation Efforts
Gra Elia (The Old Olive Tree)
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kato Asites: Host to the 1st Olive Festival
Sitia's Ancient Olive Tree: A Record of Preservation Initiatives
Asperula Crassula
Carlina diae, Carlina of Dia
Anthemis Filicaulis, Slender-stemmed Chamomile
Dianthus Fruticosus Subsp. Sitiacus
Silene Holzmannii
Carlina Sitiensis
Bellevalia Sitiaca
Limonium Sitiacum
Viola Scorpiuroides
The Ancient Olive Tree of Kakodiki
Laurel
Rosemary
Common Basil
Honeysuckle
Oat
Chaste tree
Myrtle
Cretan Rockrose
Ophrys Sitiaca
The Ancient Olive Tree of Viannos: Unveiling a Treasured Discovery
The Ancient Olive Tree of Fourfouras
Mandrake
Androcymbium Rechingeri
Autumn Lady's-tresses
Tournefort Crocus
Orchis Sitiaca
Ancient Olive Tree in Kouroutes
Mediterranean Meadow Saffron