Page 26 - Edible Trees For Tucson

Jujube

Ziziphus jujuba Rhamnaceae

D ESCRIPTI O N
Jujubes are small, deciduous trees with rough
bark; the branches bear curved spines at each
node. The glossy, dark-green leaves have three
conspicuous longitudinal veins and finely-
toothed margins. The roots produce shoots that
may form a thicket over time. Small, perfect
flowers are borne on the leaf axis of deciduous
branches. Some varieties have sharp thorns.
Jujube fruit have a somewhat dry and spongy
texture and mild, sweet flavor. The fruit are
dark-red to brown, spherical to plum-shaped to
elongated, and contain a single seed.

E THN O B O T ANI CAL N O TES
• The trees are indigenous and widely
distributed in arid regions of southern Asia,
and have naturalized on many continents.
• Jujubes were likely domesticated around
9000 BCE, and have been cultivated for at
least 4,000 years in China.
• There are over 400 known cultivars.
• Jujubes were introduced to Texas in 1875.

P L ANTIN G N O TES

Jujube trees grow best in areas with hot summers,
though they can tolerate very cold winters. Jujubes
are used as shade trees and pollinator attractants;
26