Ziziphus Spina-Christi (Christ’s Thorn Jujube – السدر أو النبق)

Ziziphus Spina-Christi, commonly known as the Christ’s Thorn Jujube or السدر / النبق in Arabic, is a resilient evergreen tree native to the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of the Arabian Peninsula. It is easily recognized by its shiny green leaves, thorny branches, and small, sweet edible fruits. Highly valued for its cultural, medicinal, and ecological importance, this hardy tree thrives in arid climates and poor soils, making it an excellent choice for desert landscaping and reforestation.

Benefits of Ziziphus Spina-Christi

• Produces edible and nutritious fruits known as nabq or sidr
• Extremely drought- and heat-tolerant; ideal for arid landscapes
• Used in traditional medicine and herbal remedies
• Provides shade and shelter for wildlife and livestock
• Excellent for windbreaks, soil stabilization, and re-vegetation projects

Care Tips for Ziziphus Spina-Christi

• Light: Requires full sun for healthy growth
• Watering: Minimal; water only during establishment
• Soil: Prefers sandy, loamy, or rocky well-drained soils
• Pruning: Occasional trimming to shape or remove dead wood
• Fertilizer: Not necessary; highly adapted to nutrient-poor soils