Ziziphus is a genus of flowering plants in the buckthorn family Rhamnaceae. It comprises around 40 species of deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs. These plants are native to warm temperate and subtropical regions around the world including parts of Asia Africa and the Americas. One of the most well-known species is Ziziphus jujuba commonly called jujube which produces a fruit often referred to as a Chinese date. Ziziphus plants typically have spiny branches and simple alternate leaves. The small greenish flowers are usually inconspicuous but they give way to fruits that can be quite prominent and are often edible. The fruits of many species are used in traditional medicine and as food. Ziziphus plants are also valued for their hard wood which is used in carpentry and for making tools. These plants are often found in arid or semi-arid environments and are known for their drought resistance.
