Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.

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Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.

صفحة تفاصيل التنوع النباتي

Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf

Evergreen tree reaching up to 12 m in height. Leaves ovate-lanceolate, 2–3 cm long, green, with three distinct veins; two spines emerge near the base of each leaf, one straight and the other curved in the opposite direction. Flowers yellowish-green. Fruits subglobose drupes, yellow, turning red when dried.

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Scintefic Name

Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Desf.

Family

Rhamnaceae

Native Range

Arabian Peninsula, south-central and western Asia, Mediterranean Basin, and tropical Africa

Distribution in Saudi Arabia

Widespread across Makkah, Al-Bahah, Asir, Eastern Region, Jazan, and Tabuk.

Importance

It is a rangeland plant also cultivated as an ornamental species in gardens and parks. Its sweet-tasting fruits are edible and highly nutritious. The plant has medicinal applications, and its flowers are highly valued in honey production, serving as a key nectar source for beekeepers across Saudi Arabia.

Environmental Preferences

Mountainous habitats and slopes

Various soil types, ranging from alluvial (sedimentary) to sandy soils

Sunny environments :full sun exposure

Soil pH ranging between 7.7 and 8.2

Suitability for Cultivation

Elevation range

0 to 2,500 meters above sea level

Propagation methods

Seeds, seedlings, and cuttings

Planting season

March to April

Irrigation

Low water demand

Fertilization

Moderate

Care

Dry branches should be removed, and annual pruning is recommended to control vegetative growth

Toxicity Risks

None reported

Pests and diseases

Susceptible to certain pests and fungal infections

Growth Characteristics and Environmental Adaptation

Flowering period

March to May

Growth rate

Fast

Drought tolerance

Moderate

Drenching

Intolerant

Salinity tolerance

256 to 2,688 ppm (parts per million)

Temperature range

19–28 °C

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