Juniperus rigida

Temple juniper

Juniperus rigida, commonly known as the rigid juniper, is a resilient evergreen conifer native to the rugged landscapes of the Mediterranean and Middle East. Highly valued for its hardiness, this species plays a vital ecological role and is frequently studied for its unique phytochemical properties and medicinal potential.

  • Scientific name: Juniperus rigida
  • Family: Cupressaceae
  • Native range: Asia-Temperate

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, specifically categorized within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Pinidae. Following the order Pinales, it is classified under the family Cupressaceae. Finally, it is identified by its genus, Juniperus.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Pinidae WCVP
Order Pinales WCVP
Family Cupressaceae WCVP
Genus Juniperus WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Juniperus rigida, is referred to by various common names depending on the region and language. In German, it is called Igel-Wacholder, while in French, it is known as Genévrier rigide. Its names in East Asian languages include ネズ in Japanese and 노간주나무 in Korean. Additionally, in Russian, the species is called Можжевеньник твёрдый.
Language Common Name Source
de Igel-Wacholder Wikidata
ja ネズ Wikidata
fr Genévrier rigide Wikidata
ru Можжевельник твёрдый Wikidata
ko 노간주나무 Wikidata
ar عرعر قاسي Wikidata
nb Tempeleiner Wikidata
pnb مندر صنوبر Wikidata
fa جونیپروس ریجیدا Wikidata
bg твърда хвойна Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a broad geographical range across several distinct regions of East Asia. In the Russian Far East, its presence is specifically noted in the areas of Primorye and Sakhalin. Moving into China, the species can be found within the territories of Inner Mongolia and Manchuria. Additionally, the distribution extends into the China North-Central region. Together, these locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in diverse northern and central habitats.

Region Area Source
Russian Far East Primorye WCVP
Russian Far East Sakhalin WCVP
China Inner Mongolia WCVP
China Manchuria WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China Qinghai WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Southwestern U.S.A. California WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Juniperus rigida, possesses several distinct morphological features that are utilized in various medicinal and practical applications. Its structure is characterized by resilient twigs that provide a sturdy framework for its growth. The foliage consists of sharp, pointed needles that are often used to describe its texture, though in botanical terms, these needles function as the plant's primary leaves. Finally, the plant produces small, fleshy fruits, often referred to as cones, which contain the essential oils and bioactive compounds central to its medicinal properties.
Total parts
4
Scientific sources
4
Plant Part Sources Confidence
twigs 1 ★☆☆☆☆
needles 1 ★☆☆☆☆
leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruits 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Juniperus rigida has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include amentoflavone, (+)-catechin, catechin, chlorogenic acid, cupressuflavone.

Total chemicals
10
Scientific sources
11

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
amentoflavone 2 ★☆☆☆☆
(+)-catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
catechin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cupressuflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hinokiflavone 1 ★☆☆☆☆
podocarpusflavone A 1 ★☆☆☆☆
podophyllotoxin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
quercitrin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Juniperus rigida has 2 reported activities identified across 2 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Total activities
2
Scientific sources
2

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antibacterial 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Juniperus rigida has 6 reported medicinal uses identified across 6 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include Inflammation, atopic dermatitis, dropsy, gout, neuralgia.

Total uses
6
Scientific sources
6

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
Inflammation 1 ★☆☆☆☆
atopic dermatitis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
dropsy 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gout 1 ★☆☆☆☆
neuralgia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatoid arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆