The jujube tree, Ziziphus jujuba, is a hardy, deciduous species cultivated for its sweet, date-like fruit for over 4,000 years, earning it the common name Chinese date. This resilient plant thrives in harsh, arid climates and is prized for its longevity and productivity. The question of whether all jujube trees possess thorns is common, and the answer is not a simple yes or no. The presence of sharp appendages on the branches depends heavily on the tree’s lineage and how it has been selectively bred over centuries of cultivation.
Thorn Presence and Variation
The existence of thorns in this species is a matter of genetic variation, which has been influenced by thousands of years of human selection. Wild or original species of Ziziphus jujuba are characteristically thorny, featuring sharp, woody projections along their stems. These natural defenses provided protection against browsing animals in their native environments. Modern horticulture has produced hundreds of cultivars selected for commercially desirable traits, including fruit size, flavor, and ease of harvest. Many cultivated varieties have been intentionally bred to be thornless or to exhibit a significantly reduced presence of thorns, minimizing injury to workers and making the fruit more accessible.
Morphology and Characteristics of the Thorns
For the varieties that do possess them, the thorns are botanically classified as spiny stipules—modified, hardened structures found at the base of the leaves. These woody spines are typically located in pairs at each node along the zigzagging twigs. The configuration often consists of one straight, sharp spine and one slightly shorter, curved, or hooked spine. The thorns can be substantial, ranging in length from half an inch up to two inches or more. They harden into a rigid, brown or gray structure as the wood matures, posing a considerable handling challenge due to their sharp point and firm attachment.
Identifying Features Beyond the Thorns
Even without thorns, several distinct physical characteristics help identify the jujube tree. The leaves are small (one to three inches long), ovate-to-lanceolate, and glossy green, featuring three prominent longitudinal veins running from the base to the tip. The branches often grow in a distinctive zig-zag pattern, especially on younger wood. The bark of a mature tree is rough, fissured, and grayish-brown, frequently developing a blocky appearance. In late spring or early summer, the tree produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish-green flowers that appear in the leaf axils.
Safe Handling and Pruning Considerations
When working with a thorny variety, wearing protective gear is necessary to avoid injury from the sharp spines, including thick leather gloves, safety goggles, and durable long-sleeved clothing. Even on nominally thornless cultivars, occasional thorns can appear, particularly on rootstock suckers. Pruning is performed during the dormant season to establish structure and encourage fruit production. For heavily spined trees, using tools with long handles, such as pole pruners, helps manage inner branches without direct contact. Removing suckers from the base is important, as they often revert to the wild, highly thorny rootstock.