Zanthoxylum fagara

Colima is a rounded shrub bearing recurved thorns and red shiny fruit that contrasts well with its bright green leaflets in mid, to late summer. An important wildlife plant, colima is a food source for white tailed deer, many birds, butterfly larvae and butterflies, who sip the nectar from its inconspicuous flowers. Its bark and bitter-tasting aromatic leaves are powdered and used as a condiment, while its wood produces a yellow dye. The flowers, leaves and fruit have an aroma of citrus.

Ziziphus jujuba, Ziziphus sativa, Ziziphus vulgaris, Zizyphus mauritiana

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. From Indian legends, the tree is hard because it's blessed with a boon that no matter how badly it was cut, it will not die, and even if a single root of it was left, it will spring up again... In India, the tree is held sacred: fruits are offered to Siva, and the plant is known as the "Tree which removes sorrow". Cold hardy, mature plants withstand hard freeze.

Read more about this fruit tree.

Ziziphus spina-christi

This sacred tree is considered the most important tree at all for producing honey. This honey has several merits and fragrant smell. This tree is planted for garnish, shade and its sweet fruits.

Zombia antillarum, Chamaerops antillarum, Coccothrinax anomala

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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!