Ziziphus mauritiana, commonly known as Indian jujube or Chinese date, is a deciduous or semi-evergreen tree native to dry tropical and subtropical regions including grasslands, savannas, and woodlands across central Africa, South and Southeast Asia. It typically grows up to 49 feet (15 meters) tall with a spreading crown and thorny branches. The glossy, ovate leaves are 1-2 inches long, and the tree produces small, fragrant, yellowish flowers. The fruit is an edible drupe that matures to a sweet, juicy, date-like flavor when ripe, varying in color from green to yellow to reddish-brown.

Indian jujube is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in a variety of soil conditions, from sandy to loamy and even in poor soils. It is often cultivated for its fruit, which can be eaten fresh, dried, or used in beverages and culinary dishes. The tree is also used in traditional medicine and as a source of timber and forage for livestock. In cultivation, it requires full sun and minimal water once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping. However, it can become invasive outside its native range, forming dense thickets that displace native vegetation. Care should be taken to manage its spread in areas where it is considered a threat to local ecosystems.CC BY-SA 4.0