Juniper Trees

This album is dedicated to beautiful Junipers.

Juniper Trees are coniferous plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae. It is estimated that about 60 species of Junipers are scattered throughout the northern hemisphere.

In the USA, junipers are one of the most widespread plant groups in all of the four desert regions, which include: Great Basin Desert, Mojave Desert, Sonoran Desert and Chihuahuan Desert.
These trees were very important resource to the Native American Indians. Berries were used to prepare foods and drinks. Wood and bark were utilized as building materials for their houses and tools such as bows.
Junipers were also highly prized for their medicinal properties. Tea made out of crushed leaves was believed to relieve body, joint and stomach aches and a sore throat.
The Navajo Indians also used juniper as a relief for postpartum pain, nausea and insect bites.

In Asia, juniper has played a major part in religious practices. Its branches are burnt as an offfering by Bhuddist Monks performing Puja prayer ceremony. Burning juniper and incense represents good luck and purification of the area.
Puja Ceremony is an important part of every Himalayan expedition to ensure a safe and successful climb. In the Everest Region no one from the expedition is allowed to travel through the Khumbu Icefall for fear of angering the gods, until the Puja is performed.

External Links

List of Juniper Species

Images

View Juniper Trees Image Gallery - 65 Images