Juniperus chinensis

Species: Juniperus chinensis

English Name: Dragon Juniper

Chinese Name: 龍柏

Family: Cupressaceae

Description:

It’s a Juniper that grows as a shrub or tree (in this case a shrub) with a variable shape, reaching up to 20m tall. It’s a coniferous evergreen shrub.

It is widely used as a bonsai. Studies have shown that it has anti metastatic properties, and anti-obesity effects. Its leaves contain volatile oil. One particular study showed that this plant may have anti-cancer, anti-proliferative and apoptotic effects.

©Kenpei, 2006

©Kenpei, 2006

©Uni. of Florida, 2007

©Uni. of Florida, 2007

©R. Steffen

©R. Steffen

 

Photos used under a Creative Commons license

References:

–  Department of Gardens and Green Areas, Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau of Macao Special Administrative Region, South China Botanical Garden, Chinese Academy of Science 2005. Flora of Macao (Volume 1). Macao, SAR: Author