Ziziphus mauritiana

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Ziziphus mauritiana

Ziziphus mauritiana (pronunciation: zi-zee-fus maw-rih-tee-ah-na), also known as Indian jujube, ber, Chinese date, red date, or Indian plum, is a tropical fruit tree species belonging to the family Rhamnaceae.

Etymology

The genus name Ziziphus is derived from the Arabic word "zizouf", which is the name for the Ziziphus spina-christi, a related species. The species name mauritiana refers to the island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean, where the plant was first described.

Description

Ziziphus mauritiana is a spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree up to 15 m high, with trunk 40 cm or more in diameter; spreading crown; stipular spines and many drooping branches. The fruit is of variable shape and size. It can be oval, obovate, oblong or round, and can be 1-2.5 in (2.5-6.25 cm) long, depending on the variety. The flesh is white and crisp. When slightly underipe, this fruit is a bit juicy and has a pleasant aroma. The fruit's skin is smooth, glossy, thin but tight.

Cultivation and uses

Ziziphus mauritiana is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It is grown for its edible fruit, and also for its medicinal properties. The fruit is used in traditional medicine for a variety of ailments, including digestive disorders, fever, and skin diseases. It is also used as a sedative and an analgesic.

Related terms

  • Ziziphus: A genus of about 40 species of spiny shrubs and small trees in the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae.
  • Rhamnaceae: A large family of flowering plants, commonly known as the buckthorn family.
  • Mauritius: An island nation in the Indian Ocean, where Ziziphus mauritiana was first described.

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