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Ziziphus mucronata (Buffalo thorn)

Other names: Cape thorn

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Species
Z. mucronata is a tender, rounded to spreading, deciduous to semi-evergreen tree with paired thorns, one hooked and one straight, and ovate to broadly ovate, finely toothed, glossy, dark green leaves turning golden-yellow in autumn. Dense clusters of yellow-green flowers blooming from the leaf axils in summer are followed by ovoid, reddish-brown fruit.
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Season of interest

Flower

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Flower

Foliage

Spring Summer Autumn Winter
Foliage
Height and spread

Height and spread

Size Max height Max spread To maturity
10 m 10 m 20-50 years
32 ft 32 ft 20-50 years

Where to grow

Soil type
  • Chalky
  • Loamy
  • Sandy
Soil drainage
  • Moist but well-drained
  • Well-drained
Soil pH
  • Acid
  • Alkaline
  • Neutral
Sunlight
  • Full Sun
Aspect
  • West
  • South
Exposure
  • Exposed
  • Sheltered

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Additional plant details

Cultivation

In frost-free areas, grow in moist but well-drained or well-drained soil in full sun. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and seasonal flooding. Best in hot and dry climates. Under glass, grow in loam-based compost in fulll light. In growth, water moderately.

Suggested uses

Mediterranean, Drought Tolerant, Specimen tree, Desert garden/Xeriscaping

UK hardiness

H2

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 11, Zone 12

Sunset zone

WUCOLS

North-Central Coastal = Low
Central Valley = Low
South Coastal = Low
South Inland = Moderate/Medium
High and Intermediate Desert = Moderate/Medium
Low Desert = Moderate/Medium

Foliage

Deciduous

Habit

Spreading, Rounded

Native to

Southern Africa

Drought tolerant

Yes

Flood tolerant

No

Toxicity

Not toxic

Plant care

Pruning

Prune when dormant in late autumn or early winter.

Propagation methods

Seed, Hardwood cuttings

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as ripe. Place in hot tap water and leave to soak for 48 hours. Sow 2cm deep. Cold stratify for 90 days.

Pests

The trunks of young trees should be protected from sunburn and rodent damage.

Diseases

Waterlogging can also cause root rot.

Selective pruning only (only if needed)

Take hardwood cuttings in autumn and winter

Take softwood cuttings

Sow seed starting in a protected environment

Plant tender plants after danger of frost has passed (late spring, early summer)

Other plants

Plants in this Genus (2)

Ziziphus

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Ziziphus jujuba
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Ziziphus jujuba Jujube
Ziziphus mucronata
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Ziziphus mucronata Buffalo thorn
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Companion plants (0)

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