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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean,
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
normal growth
rate
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid,
very humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (9000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
-25°C
SHAPE
Type
:
tree, shrub
Height
:
4 m-10 m
Spread
:
3 m-6 m
Foliage
:
deciduous
FLOWER
Colour
:
green, light
yellow
Period
:
May - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
drupe(fleshy/
juicy)
Fruit size
:
1.5 cm - 3 cm
Toxicity
:
edible
Ziziphus jujuba is known by its common names of Chinese Date, Red Date and Chinese Jujube.
It is native to central China, the eastern Himalayas and Japan. It originally grew in the hills or
mountains at an altitude of 1,700 metres, in dry and sunny locations. The shrub or tree reaches
a height of 10 metres and a width of 6 metres. The tree has a normal growth rate and often de-
velops multiple stems. The deciduous foliage is green; the leaves are alternately arranged, entire
and ovate in shape. The inconspicuous flowers, which appear in spring, are small, 5 mm in size,
and whitish-yellow. Later, the tree produces edible fruits 3 cm across, with an apple taste. With
increasing ripeness, the fruits turn brownish. The seed is a small stone, like that of an olive. The
Chinese Date is best propagated by sowing and pricking. The tree is thorny and has an extensive,
deep root system. It otherwise has low soil and irrigation requirements, and can withstand high
salinity. No maintenance is required, other than periodic pruning. This Ziziphus can be found
in Arriyadh on some private farms, because of its delicious fruits. It is not as hardy and adapted
to desert climates as some native species, but the fruit itself and the crop are larger. This tree can
be recommended as a specimen or dominant plant, and in avenues planting. Ziziphus jujuba is
a screen and shelter plant, suitable for urban areas, public open spaces, park planting, private
gardens and street planting.
320
Ziziphus jujuba,
Rhamnaceae
Chinese Jujube,
sidr