Jujube
Family Rhamnaceae
Zizyphus jujuba, the Chinese jujube, and Zizyphus mauritiana (Z. mauritiana 1), the Indian jujube, are two closely related species: of small thorny evergreen trees, up to 12 m high, with thorns at the base of the single elliptic leaves (Z. mauritiana 3). The small greenish flowers are borne in axillary clusters. The ovoid fruits, about 3 cm in diameter, have edible sweetish pulp and contain a hard seed (Z. mauritiana 2).
Distribution and use
The jujube has been cultivated in China for at least 4000 years, and reached Europe probably 2000 years ago. In France and Italy they are cultivated on a small scale for their edible fruits, which are eaten fresh or dried. Jujubes are also canned.