Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd.: a multipurpose fruit tree

Abstract

Neglected and underutilized species often play a vital role in securing food and livestock feed, income generation and energy needs of rural populations. In spite of their great potential little attention has been given to these species. This increases the possibility of genetic erosion which would further restrict the survival strategies of people in rural areas. Ziziphus spina-christi is a plant species that has edible fruits and a number of other beneficial applications that include the use of leaves as fodder, branches for fencing, wood as fuel, for construction and furniture making, and the utilization of different parts e.g. Fruits, leaves, roots and bark in folk medicine. Moreover, the plant is adapted to dry and hot climates which make it suitable for cultivation in an environment characterized by increasing degradation of land and water resources. Lack of research in Z. spina-christi hinders its successful improvement and promotion. Therefore, studies are needed to fully exploit this species. This article aims at summarizing information on different aspects of Z. spina-christi to stimulate interest in this crop which is of importance in Sudan and other countries of the semi-arid tropics.

Finding out Relationships Among Some Morpho-Biochemical Parameters of Christ's Thorn (Ziziphus spina-christi) under Drought and Salinity Stresses

“…Seeds were collected from Kazerun nursery in the 2013-2014 growing season. Seed surface was sterilized by immersion in 2% sodium Finding out relationships among some morpho-biochemical ... hypochloride solution for 15 minutes (Saied et al, 2008). Subsequently, seeds were placed on moist silica sand in inverted cells of plastic trays at 30/25 o C (day/night) temperature and 50% (±10%) relative air humidity.…”

Improving Effect of Salicylic Acid on the Multipurpose Tree <i>Ziziphus spina-christi</i> (L.) Willd Tissue Culture

“…It tastes like a mixture of dates and apples [5]. The flowers are important for the production of wild bee honey [7]. Plant leaves are also used in folk medicine as which provides potential for large scale production of genetically identical superior strains for an antiseptic anti-inflamematory agent, and for healing skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis [8].…”

In vitro shoot multiplication of Ziziphus spina-christi by shoot tip culture

“…It is an important cultivated tree and one of the few truly native tree species of Saudi Arabia that is still growing along with many newly introduced exotic plants (Mandavillae, 1990;Saied et al, 2008). It is considered as one of the most drought-resistant fruit crops adapted to the ecological conditions of Saudia Arabia.…”

“…spina-christi has been shown to have activity against bacteria and fungi (Shahat et al, 2001) and also other pathogens that are normally quite resistant (Nazif, 2002). All parts of the plant are used by the local Arab people to help maintain a healthy lifestyle (Saied et al, 2008). The plant has also been used for its soothing properties (Adzu et al, 2002).…”