Common Name: Jua

General Information

Ziziphus joazeiro is a thorny, evergreen tree with a low, globose crown spreading horizontally with the lower branches almost touching the ground[]. It grows 5 - 15 metres tall with a short bole 30 - 50cm in diameter[, ].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild and enjoyed locally[]. The tree is sometimes cultivated for its fruit[], and it is also grown for its ornamental and shade providing properties[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, northeastern Brazil, Bolivia.

Habitat

Lowland areas in the dry forest region of northeast Brazil[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the 'Caatinga' dry forest region of northeast Brazil. The climate is hot and dry, there are usually 6 to 11 months without rain each year. The mean annual rainfall varies from 250 - 1,000mm, and the mean annual temperature is from 24 - 26°c.
Requires a sunny position[]. Established plants have a very deep root system allowing them to obtain water during droughts[].
Newly planted young trees grow away slowly, barely reaching 2 metres tall after 2 years[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[]. A relatively thin, fleshy pulp with a slightly sweet flavour[]. Rich in vitamin C[]. The fruit contains one hard seed[]. The fruit is about 2cm in diameter[].

Medicinal

The leaves are stomachic[]. An infusion is used to treat a range of stomach problems[].

The inner bark is very rich in saponins. An infusion is used as a wash to treat skin sores and also for brushing the teeth[]. The bark is also febrifuge[].

Agroforestry Uses:

The tree is occasionally used for erosion control[].

Other Uses

Because of its non-suckering habit, the plant may have potential as a rootstock for other species in the genus[].

The inner bark is very rich in saponins. An infusion in water is used as a hair shampoo and tonic, and also for cleaning the teeth[].

The wood is moderately heavy, durable even when exposed to the weather[]. It is used locally for rural constructions, posts, cabinet making[].
The wood is used for fuel and making charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a limited viability of 5 months or less[]. Best sown as soon as it is ripe in a lightly shaded position in individual containers. Germination rates are usually low, with the seed sprouting within 70 - 100 days. Seedlings grow away slowly and take 8 - 9 months or more before being ready to plant out[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many fingers does the typical human have?