Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.

Scientific Name: Ziziphus  mauritiana Lam.

Family: Rhamnaceae

Common Name: Indian jujube

Hindi Name: बेर

Description: Indian jujube is a shrub or small thorny tree that can grow to a height of 3-15 m. Deciduous or almost evergreen he trunk is around 40 cm in diameter, covered with a dark grey or dull black, irregularly fissured bark  The branches are numerous and drooping. The twigs are tomentose. The spines are solitary or borne in pairs at the base of the leaves, 5 to 7 mm long. Indian jujube can be grown in semi-arid and arid regions as it thrives under very dry conditions.

Economic Importance:

Young leaves are edible and are cooked as a vegetable in Indonesia.

Fruits and bark are used to make dye and medicinal preparations

Medicinal Importance: 

• Ziziphus mauritiana has found 2.2% alkaloids, 92.65% saponins and 5 µg/ml tannins in dried bark. The results of studies have exhibited that it is effective in anti-cancer and liver damage treatment.

Cultural Importance: 

• The Ziziphus fruit is a valued fruit in Pakistan that aids in household income and food security.

Religious Importance: 

• Ber are very nutritious and are associated with Lord Shiva. It is a favourite fruit choice for Mahashivratri fast by devotees.