Watering: Moderate - Plant Encyclopedia Results (Page 289)

Ziziphus celata is a small spiny shrub that is usually less than 2 meters tall. Clusters of highly fragrant tiny green flowers are borne in winter, and grape-sized, yellow-orange fruit develop in spring. It is a terrestrial flowering plant endemic to central Florida.

Ziziphus celata is listed as an endangered species in the United States.

These small acid fruits are liked by children as well as by adults. A small spreading tree, with drooping branches grows readily and quickly on poor ground. Even moderately saline soils are tolerated. The tree will thrive without any special care. All parts of the plant have medicinal uses. Jujube is widely cultivated China and India. The Chinese have been growing and eating jujubes for more than four thousand years and have more jujube trees than any other type of fruit tree.

The Jujube tree (Ziziphus jujuba), also known as the "Tree of Happiness," is renowned for its remarkable resilience. Its sweet, crisp fruits have been cherished for over 4,000 years, not only as a nutritious treat but also for their medicinal properties, such as stress relief and immunity-boosting benefits. The thornless Taiwan variety is especially beloved for its refreshing, apple-like taste and ease of care.

The name Ziziphus originates from the Persian zizfum or Arabic zizouf, but it is also associated with the Christ's Thorn Jujube (Ziziphus spina-christi), a species believed to have provided the thorns for the biblical crown of thorns. This connection gives the tree profound spiritual and cultural significance across various traditions. In fact, the Jujube tree's symbolism extends to Indian legends, where it is said to be blessed with a boon: no matter how badly it is cut, it will never die, and even a single root will allow it to spring up again. Revered in India, the tree is offered to Siva and is known as the "Tree which removes sorrow," symbolizing endurance and healing.

Some horticulturists also link the name Ziziphus to the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder uphill for eternity. Just as the boulder endlessly rolls back down, the Jujube tree continually regrows, no matter how much it is cut or damaged. This metaphorical connection highlights the tree's unyielding spirit and symbolizes perseverance, renewal, and vitality. Thriving in poor, dry soils with minimal care, the Jujube tree truly earns its place as the "Tree of Happiness" in gardens and communities around the world.

Cold hardy, mature plants withstand hard freeze.

Read more about Jujube tree.

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.

Ziziphus mucronata, also known as Buffalo thorn, is a drought resistant shrub or a small tree that is well-suited for gardens in warm, dry climates. Buffalo thorn is characterized by its crooked trunk, drooping branches, and glossy, drooping leaves with three conspicuous veins at the base. The branches are covered in spines, one curved and one straight. The shrub produces inconspicuous yellowish flowers in clusters, which produce a large amount of nectar that attracts many insects, particularly bees. The round, russet-colored fruits contain a dry, meal-like pulp and are eaten by many birds and wild animals.

It prefers full sun to partial shade and well-drained, fertile soil, but it can also be grown in containers. It ca be grown in ground in USDA Zone 9-11. While it is not particularly cold hardy, mature plants can withstand temperatures as low as the low 30s Fahrenheit for short periods of time. To protect container plants in cold regions, it is recommended to bring them indoors during the winter to prevent frost damage.

Buffalo thorn should be watered moderately and not overwatered, as this can cause root rot. The leaves should be sprayed with water to keep them looking healthy. Pruning back crisscrossing limbs and any dead wood can encourage healthy new growth. In addition to being an attractive garden plant, this shrub is also known to attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Bark, leaves, and roots of Buffalo thorn, as well as decoctions made from these parts, have been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, such as skin infections, chest problems, and various pains, including toothaches. The seeds were ground and used as a coffee substitute.

Zombia antillarum or Zombie Palm is a tropical small tree that can grow up to 10-20 ft tall and features a fan-like crown of palm shaped leaves. Native to Hispaniola and other parts of the Caribbean, Zombia antillarum is a popular ornamental palm-like evergreen with short, downward pointing spines natively found on its trunk. This small tree is undoubtedly most suited to full sun or semi-shade positions and prefers moderate amounts of water. As with most tropical palms, the Zombie Palm enjoys higher temperatures, requiring minimum temperatures of 28F and ideal temperatures of 55F for optimum growth.

For residents in colder regions, the Zombie Palm can be grown in a pot and kept indoors during the coldest months of the year. While Zombia antillarum itself is not cold hardy and should not come into contact with frost, it is believed mature plants can survive short periods of excessive cold to temperatures as low as the 30s F if properly cared for. Therefore, to ensure survival of the plant in cold temperatures, it would be beneficial to shelter and keep the plant in a pot and move indoors during the winter months.

This palm is suited for USDA Zone 10-11 and can be grown in subtropical climates. The Zombie Palm is an ideal choice for those looking to add a unique exotic tropical aspect to their garden with its spiny, woven-like trunk and fan of leaves. Although a slow grower, the Zombie Palm requires minimal maintenance and is relatively undemanding. For the more advanced gardener, Zombia antillarum offers a unique and interesting challenge!