Berry (botany) fruits, the edible part is not generated by the ovary. Berry-like examples include: The female seed cones of some conifers have fleshy and merged scales, giving them a berry-like appearance. Juniper "berries" (family Cupressaceae), in particular those of "Juniperus communis", are used to flavour gin. The seed cones of species in the Podocarpaceae and Taxaceae families have a bright colour when fully developed, increasing the resemblance to true berries. The "berries" of yews ("Taxus" species) consist of a female seed cone with which develops a fleshy red aril partially enclosing the poisonous seed. The Latin word ' or ' (plural
Juniper berry 8–10 months in a few species, and about 24 months in "J. drupacea"). The mature, dark berries are usually but not exclusively used in cuisine, while gin is flavoured with fully grown but immature green berries. The flavor profile of young, green berries is dominated by pinene; as they mature this piney, resinous backdrop is joined by what Harold McGee describes as "green-fresh" and citrus notes. The outer scales of the berries are relatively flavourless, so the berries are almost always at least lightly crushed before being used as a spice. They are used both fresh and dried, but their