The Canary cedar (Juniperus cedrus) is a botanical gem endemic to the Canary Islands and Madeira, appreciated for its ecological, ornamental, and timber value. characteristics that make it unique and specific cultivation and maintenance requirements that promote its optimal development. Below, we detail all the key aspects, from identification to uses, properties, and threats, integrating the most up-to-date and comprehensive knowledge about this species.
Identification and characteristics of the Canary Island cedar
- Common name: Canary cedar, Canary Island cedar.
- Family: Cupressaceae.
- Origin: Canary Islands (Canarian endemism).
- Scientific name: Juniperus cedrus Webb & Berth. subsp. cedrus.
In this slow-growing evergreen tree, with an average height of up to 15 meters and a trunk that, in long-lived specimens, can exceed one meter in diameter. Its crown is globular or takes on a flag-like shape due to the effect of intense mountain winds. Its young, thin, hanging branches stand out., which give it a 'weeping' aesthetic and dense, aromatic foliage due to the presence of essential oils.
The leaves are needle-like and rigid, less than 2 cm long, with a pointed apex and a whorled arrangement in groups of three, reminiscent of the spokes of a fan. They have two white bands on the upper surface that easily identify them. The Canary Island cedar is generally dioecious, so there are male and female specimens. The former produce small pollen cones; the latter develop the characteristic gallbladders, false globose fruits of 1,5 cm, bluish when young and reddish brown when ripe, covered by a waxy layer (bloom) that protects the seeds.
La flowering It occurs from autumn to spring, and seed dispersal is primarily carried out by local frugivorous animals, such as lizards, blackbirds, and crows. The reproductive cycle and natural germination often depend on the seeds passing through the digestive tract of birds to eliminate inhibitors and promote viability.
Distribution, habitat and ecology
El canary cedar It is exclusive to the Canary Islands and, in its typical subspecies, is distributed throughout La Palma, La Gomera, Tenerife and Gran Canaria, occupying mainly high mountain areas, rocky escarpments and cliffs from 900 meters up to almost 2.400 meters above sea level. Its presence stands out in difficult-to-access cliffs., where it thrives better than in lower areas due to less competition and less human pressure. In Gran Canaria, the last natural population survives on Montaña del Cedro, in the Guguy massif.
It is integrated into ecosystems such as monteverde, laurel forest, thermophilous pine forests and rocky areas, being one of the few tree species capable of withstanding high mountains and the thermal contrast of these environments. Its ecology makes it an important structural and functional element of vegetation native, favoring biodiversity and providing shelter and food for local fauna. The seeds are dispersed mainly by black lizards (Gallotia galloti), crows and blackbirds, contributing to their regeneration.
Growing and caring for the Canary Island cedar
The Canary cedar is an outdoor plant It prefers full sun locations. The soil should provide good drainage, avoiding waterlogging, and be rich in organic matter. Although very hardy, it is not ideal for growing in pots, as its roots require space and depth.
- Irrigation: In summer, it is advisable to water every 2-3 days, spacing out during warm and humid seasons.
- Subscriber: It is recommended to apply organic fertilizers in spring and summer, such as guano or manure from herbivorous animals.
- Plantation: The optimal time is in spring, after the risk of frost has passed.
- Multiplication: By seed, sown in autumn. Germination is favored if the seed has passed through the birds' digestive tract.
- Rusticity: It tolerates moderate frosts, surviving even negative temperatures close to -7ºC.
Additional handling: To maintain your health and beauty, it is important remove dry or damaged branches and monitor for possible signs of pests. In dry climates, organic mulch helps conserve moisture and reduce water stress. Due to its resistance, it rarely requires phytosanitary treatments, although in the nursery it can be sensitive to excess moisture.
Uses, properties and cultural value
The whole plant is aromatic and contains essential oils. Its reddish wood It is valuable in carpentry, cabinetmaking, and lutherie, especially for the necks of traditional instruments such as the Canarian timple. It has also been used to make furniture and cigar boxes, lending its aroma to tobacco.
In traditional medicine, Canary cedar has antiseptic, antiparasitic and anti-inflammatory propertiesIn ancient times, oil was obtained from its wood and fruit, which was used to treat worms and heal wounds. Its pendulous foliage is highly prized in ornamental gardening, lending a unique, native feel to parks and gardens with a similar climate.
Its historical and cultural significance is notable, as the ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands (Guanches) used its wood in shelters and pastoral habitats. Long-lived specimens have been the protagonists of legends and are part of the island's natural heritage.
Threats and conservation status
El Canary Island cedar is listed as 'Vulnerable' And its survival faces challenges such as drought, fires, landslides, predation by exotic fauna (rabbits, mouflons, and Barbary sheep), human pressure, and a lack of dispersing birds in some areas. The lack of suitable microhabitats hampers natural germination, while historical overexploitation for its timber has drastically reduced its natural populations.
Currently, legal protection and environmental awareness are the foundation for its recovery. It is recommended never to collect wild specimens and to support reforestation through local initiatives and specialized nurseries.
Respected for its longevity, resilience, and beauty, the Canary Island cedar is one of the archipelago's most unique and emblematic tree species, a symbol of natural wealth and a testament to the Canary Islands' ecological history. Its cultivation and conservation contribute to maintaining the balance of the island's ecosystems and preserving the natural legacy for future generations.
