Ziziphus jujuba

Ziziphus jujuba, commonly known as the jujube, red date, or Chinese date, is a species of Ziziphus in the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae).

Description

The Ziziphus jujuba is a small deciduous tree or shrub reaching a height of 5–12 metres. The leaves are shiny-green, ovate-acute, 2–7 centimetres long and 1–3 centimetres wide, with three conspicuous veins at the base, and a finely toothed margin. The flowers are small, 5 millimetres wide, with five inconspicuous yellowish-green petals.

Distribution and habitat

The species has a wide natural distribution, encompassing much of Asia and extending into southern Europe and Africa. Its precise natural distribution is uncertain due to extensive cultivation, but is thought to be in southern Asia, between Lebanon, Iran, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, the Korean Peninsula, and southern and central China, and possibly also southeastern Europe though more likely introduced there.

Cultivation and uses

The Ziziphus jujuba has been cultivated for over 4,000 years for its edible fruit, and over 400 cultivars have been selected. The fruits are oval 1.5–3 centimetres long, with a single hard stone seed. Mature fruits are red-brown with a wrinkled skin and sweet, crisp flesh. They can be eaten fresh or dried and are often used in traditional Chinese medicine.

In culture

In Chinese culture, the jujube was traditionally regarded as a symbol for tranquility and peace. In Korea, the fruit is used to make a liquor called Bokbunja ju.

See also

• Ziziphus
• Chinese date
• Bokbunja ju

References

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