The jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba) is a fruit-bearing species originating in Southern Asia, particularly China, with a history of cultivation spanning over 4,000 years. It is often called the Chinese date because of its fruit’s appearance when dried. This tree is defined by distinct physical characteristics, including its overall shape, foliage, and fruit.
Overall Form and Growth Habit
The Ziziphus jujuba is a small to medium-sized deciduous tree, typically reaching a height of 15 to 30 feet, though some specimens can grow up to 50 feet. Its overall silhouette often presents as a rounded or vase-like form, but the canopy can also appear irregular or somewhat open. In its younger stages, the tree may resemble a sprawling shrub before developing a defined trunk.
The tree has a moderate to rapid growth rate, and its branches often display a noticeable zigzag pattern. On mature trees, the bark is rough, gray-brown, and frequently marked with shallow vertical fissures and scaly plates, giving it a slightly blocky texture. In autumn, the tree sheds its leaves, leaving an often thorny framework visible throughout the winter months.
Leaf Structure and Thorns
Jujube leaves are a deep, glossy green and relatively small, measuring between three-quarters of an inch to nearly two inches long. They are generally ovate or lance-shaped with finely serrated edges, giving the margins a delicate, saw-toothed appearance. A prominent identifying feature is the presence of three longitudinal veins that run parallel from the base of the leaf blade.
The leaves are arranged alternately along the branchlets, and the stems are often equipped with sharp structures. A pair of stipular prickles is typically present at the node where the leaf attaches to the stem. This dual arrangement often consists of one straight, longer thorn and one shorter, curved or hooked thorn. Some straight varieties can reach up to two inches in length, although older wood or certain cultivars may be entirely thornless.
The Jujube Fruit
The jujube fruit is a drupe, varying in size from a large cherry to a small plum, generally measuring between two-thirds of an inch and two inches long. Its shape is typically oval or round, though some varieties develop a more elongated, pear-like form. The fruit’s appearance progresses through several distinct stages as it ripens.
Initially, the fruit is smooth, firm, and bright green, closely resembling a small olive. As it matures, the skin transitions through shades of yellowish-green before developing reddish-brown patches. When fully ripe, the fruit is a dark mahogany or purplish-brown color, and the skin begins to wrinkle, visually mimicking a traditional date. Each fruit contains a single, hard pit that encases one or two seeds.