Common Name(s): Chinese Jujube

Synonym(s):

Family: Rhamnaceae

Native To: China, Indonesia

Native Habitat: Able to withstand almost any temperature, but do well in warm, sunny locations

Growth Habit: Small deciduous tree

Flowering: White to greenish-yellow, somewhat fragrant flowers form from late spring through the summer

Distinguishing Characteristics: This small deciduous tree grows to about 40 feet tall. The small oval, shiny, bright green leaves are 1 to 2 inches long and turn bright yellow before falling in the autumn. The flowers of the jujuba are about ½ inch in diameter, white to greenish yellow, and mildly fragrant. The tree flowers from late spring through the summer while being pollinated by ants and other insects. The fruit then forms in drupes, varying from round to elongated and from cherry to plum size. The edible skin surrounds white, crisp, sweet flesh with an inner stone containing two seeds. The immature fruit is green and changes then to a yellow-green with mahogany spots before turning red when the fruit is fully ripe.

Natural History and Cultivation Notes: Although commonly referred to as a jujube tree, this plant produces small fruits with no relation to the popular candy. This native tree of China has been cultivated in that country for more than 4,000 years. The popularity of the plant later spread to surrounding countries and eventually found its way to America in 1847.

Ethnobotany: The first record of this plant being used as something other than for a fruit was about 3,000 years ago in China. The dried kernel of the Chinese jujube was found to be a good sedative/hypnotic in the treatment of insomnia and neurasthenia. This plant is mainly grown for its edible fruit which is eaten dried or fresh, but is also used in baked goods. The jujuba is also used in many cultures to make a tea for sore throats.

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