Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch (Turkestan Juniper) Species in Turianchai Preserve (Azerbaijan Republic)

Abstract

Juniper is one of the most useful multi-purpose plants worldwide. Containing a large number of essential oil, extracts from its leaves and berries (the blue-black seed cones) have been used as traditional medicine against urinary infections, dermatitis or as a diuretic. Juniperus polycarpos K. Koch is an important element of the rare pistachio—juniper thin forests [1, 2]. Habitat fragmentation and low regeneration are the main reasons of conservation Juniperus populations in this region. In order to prevent a decline in its area, mostly caused by problems in natural regeneration, the present study was carried out to analyze of Juniperus polycarpos individuals in Turianchai preserve. The bio-morphological analysis and age stages description is very consequential in order to protect this main member of dry arid forests of Azerbaijan.