It is not a true berry but a cone with unusually fleshy and merged scales, which give it a berry-like appearance.
The cones from a handful of species, especially Juniperus communis, are used as a spice, particularly in European cuisine, and also give gin its distinguishing flavour.
All juniper species grow berries, but some are considered too bitter to eat.
Juniper berries are a diuretic and were also thought to be an appetite stimulant and a remedy for rheumatism and arthritis.
An essential oil extracted from juniper berries is used in aromatherapy and perfumery.
The essential oil can be distilled out of berries which have already been used to flavour gin.