Rhamnaceae
Ziziphus mauritiana
Indian Jujube · Mkunazi
T
Not currently in the nursery
We can propagate most native species on request — get in touch to discuss timeline and quantity.
About
This spiny, evergreen shrub or small tree can reach up to 15 metres, featuring a spreading crown and drooping branches. Its alternate, oblong-elliptic leaves are glossy green above and densely white-hairy underneath. Small, greenish-yellow, faintly fragrant flowers give way to edible, round to ovoid fruits, which ripen from light green to reddish-brown with crisp, sweet flesh.
Where it works in Kilifi
Ideal for full sun, it thrives in a wide range of well-drained soils, including sandy, laterite, and alkaline types. This hardy tree is excellent for providing shade, serving as a windbreak, establishing a live fence, or for soil conservation in a Kilifi-coast garden, with a suggested spacing of 5-9 metres.
Growing notes
A fast-growing species, Indian Jujube is highly drought-resistant once established but benefits from a rainy season for optimal growth and flowering. It is notably hardy, tolerating extreme temperatures. Pruning after fruit harvest encourages new growth and subsequent fruiting.
Sources
Researched with web grounding from: wikipedia.org, worldagroforestry.org, permacultureplants.com, nih.gov, ufl.edu, sowexotic.com. Please verify with local knowledge before relying on these notes.