Phoenician Juniper and Large-Fruited Juniper

The Phoenician juniper and the large-fruited juniper are known for their slow growth and are classified as perennial species.

These Cretan junipers, found in remote locations, attract visitors who come to admire them, but often unknowingly cause harm to these trees.

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.

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