Cone and seed characteristics of Juniperus excelsa (M. bieb) in Balochistan province, Pakistan

Juniperus excelsa is a coniferous plant of the Cupressaceae family widely preset in district Ziarat. The current study was aimed to study the physical characteristics of cones from Juniperus excelsa. The cones of Juniperus excelsa from about 120 randomly selected trees were collected from Kharwari Baba and Pechi (distt Ziarat), which were facing different aspects (east, west, north, and south). Various parameters, including cone weight, number of seeds per cone, cone diameter, seed weight and cutting test of seeds, were studied. There was no considerable difference in cone weight, cone diameter, number of seeds per cone, seed weight within one area. However, the average cone diameter and weight of Kharwari Baba was higher when compared to average cone diameter and weight of Pechi. The average number of seeds per cone and seed weight of Kharwari Baba was more when compared to average number of seeds per cone and seed weight of Pechi. There was a positive correlation between cone weight and diameter, cone diameter and number of seeds per cone. The current study serves as a primary study and the data will be helpful in future research on Juniperus excelsa in the region.