Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian Jujube)

Indian jujube is a tiny thorny shrub or tree that can reach a height of 3-15 metres. The trunk is around 40 cm in diameter and covered in irregularly fissured dark grey or dull black bark. The drooping branches are abundant. The twigs have a tomentose appearance. The spines, which are 5 to 7 mm long and borne alone or in pairs near the base of the leaves, are solitary or in pairs. Simple, alternating, oval, 2-9 cm long leaves with three prominent longitudinal veins. The leaves have a dark glossy green top surface and a thickly hairy bottom surface. Indian jujube is distinguished from Chinese jujube by its thick velvety bottom. Pentamerous, greenish yellow in colour, hairy on the exterior, and approximately 5 mm broad, the blooms are pentamerous.