Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian jujube)

It is often confused with the closely related Chinese jujube (Ziziphus jujuba), but whereas Ziziphus jujuba prefers temperate climates, Ziziphus mauritiana is tropical to subtropical.

This deciduous small tree or large shrub is densely branched with zigzag branches. Branches typically have a leaf and a thorn at each angle. Flowers are small and inconspicuous, greenish-white. The fruits are initially green, but have a yellow to pale orange color when ripe. Seeds are enclosed within a woody endocarp.