Ziziphus abyssinica
| Scientific name | Ziziphus abyssinica |
|---|---|
| Common names | African jujube |
| Genus | Ziziphus |
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Habit | Thorny, semi-deciduous shrub or small tree |
| Mature size | Usually 3–12 m |
| Years to fruit | Not established for this species |
| Fruit | Round, red-brown, 2–3 cm across; one or two seeds |
Ziziphus abyssinica is a thorny, semi-deciduous African jujube that may grow as an erect shrub, a scrambling plant, or a tree with drooping branches. It is native to drier tropical Africa, where it occurs from Senegal and the Sahel east to Somalia and south through eastern and southern Africa. [1][2]
The species is chiefly a wild food plant, although it is also cultivated and used as a stock-proof hedge. Its fruit is edible, but botanical descriptions characterize it as bitter-sweet and commonly eaten as a snack or famine food rather than as a highly selected dessert fruit. [3]
Description[edit | edit source]
Plants vary from 3 to 12 m in height and form a heavy, rounded crown when growing as trees. Branches are fiercely thorny. The fruit is shiny, rounded, and red-brown when mature, about 2–3 cm in diameter, with one or two seeds that are discarded when the fruit is eaten. [3]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
This is a plant of hot, dry tropical and subtropical environments. It is recorded from about 400–2,200 m elevation, with cultivation guidance indicating best growth where annual daytime temperatures are 18–28 °C. Established plants are drought tolerant, but the species-specific evidence does not establish a reliable years-to-fruit interval. [3]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Provide a well-drained soil; the species is reported to succeed on a wide range of soils, including limestone. A slightly acidic to neutral soil is suitable: the reported preferred pH is 5.5–7.5, with tolerance from about pH 5 to 8. Water young plants during establishment, then reduce irrigation as the root system develops and keep the root zone from remaining wet. [3]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Plant in full sun with good airflow. In its native range it is associated with scattered tree grassland, Combretum–Terminalia and Acacia woodlands, and bushland rather than persistently humid forest. [3]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The species is semi-deciduous and is adapted to a pronounced dry-season rhythm. Maintain moisture through establishment and fruit development when rainfall is inadequate, but allow a drier rest period after growth slows. Its recorded rainfall range is broad, approximately 500–1,800 mm preferred and 300–2,000 mm tolerated, so local seasonal timing is more useful than a fixed irrigation calendar. [3]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Propagate from seed. Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe. The available species account does not establish a dependable germination time, treatment protocol, or vegetative-propagation method; bearing age is likewise not established. [3]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Bees are listed as pollinators, but a species-specific flowering calendar and reliable harvest season are not established. Harvest ripe fruits when they have developed their shiny red-brown color. [3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is eaten raw and has a bitter-sweet flavor. It may be eaten as a snack, particularly by children and herders, but is also described as a famine food. Young leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable. The plant is additionally used as a hedge, and its hard, heavy, termite-resistant wood is used for furniture, carving, building poles, tool handles, fuel, and charcoal. [3]
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
No species-verified licensed image is used.