Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) Ziziphus mauritiana
Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) (Ziziphus mauritiana) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rhamnaceae family, native to South Asia to southern China. It grows 4–10 m (13–33 ft) tall and 4–8 m (13–26 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rhamnaceae |
| Mature height | 4–10 m (13–33 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–8 m (13–26 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 48 °C (118 °F) |
| Flowering | about 104–156 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit |
| Native to | South Asia to southern China |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇳 India, 🇹🇭 Thailand, 🇻🇳 Vietnam, 🇮🇩 Indonesia, 🇵🇭 Philippines, 🇲🇾 Malaysia, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇬 Egypt |
| Invasive in | Australia (Queensland), Fiji: check local rules before planting |
Is Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous; the branches are thorny.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Indian jujube (ber, phutsa)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Indian jujube (ber, phutsa)
- How far apart should I plant Indian jujube (ber, phutsa)?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–8 m (13–26 ft).
- Does Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Indian jujube (ber, phutsa)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) flower?
- About 104–156 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks.
- Is Indian jujube (ber, phutsa) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous; the branches are thorny.
- What grows well with Indian jujube (ber, phutsa)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Indian jujube (ber, phutsa). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- EcoCrop crop environmental requirements, FAO
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
Notes and assumptions
- One of the toughest fruit trees for hot, dry and salty land; crisp apple-like fruit in the dry season.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Japanese raisin tree (kenponashi) Hovenia dulcis
- New Jersey tea Ceanothus americanus
- Italian buckthorn (alaternus) Rhamnus alaternus
- Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa
- Blueberry Vaccinium corymbosum