Is Ziziphus the Same as Jujube? Understanding the Difference

December 23, 2025 •

3 min read

Over 4,000 years ago, Ziziphus jujuba was first cultivated in China for its fruit, known as the Chinese date or jujube. This long history of cultivation has led to a common confusion: is Ziziphus the same as jujube? While the two names are often used interchangeably, Ziziphus is the overarching botanical genus, and jujube is a specific and popular species within that genus.

Quick Summary

This article clarifies the relationship between the botanical genus Ziziphus and the fruit known as jujube. It examines the key differences between the most common species, Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese jujube) and Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian jujube), detailing their origins, characteristics, and climatic preferences.

Key Points

Genus vs. Species: Ziziphus is the botanical genus, while jujube is the common name for the fruit of a specific species, Ziziphus jujuba.
Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba): This is the most widely known type, known as the Chinese date, and grows in temperate climates, producing sweet, often wrinkled fruit when ripe.
Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana): A distinct species that prefers tropical climates, its fruit is often smaller and known as the Indian plum or ber.
Botanical Family: Both jujube species belong to the Rhamnaceae, or buckthorn, family.
Not All Ziziphus are Jujubes: There are dozens of species in the Ziziphus genus, but only a few produce the fruit commonly called jujube.
Varying Fruit Characteristics: Differences in climate tolerance, fruit size, shape, and taste are distinct between the various Ziziphus species.

What is Ziziphus?

Ziziphus is a genus of approximately 40 species of spiny shrubs and small trees belonging to the buckthorn family, Rhamnaceae. These plants are distributed across warm-temperate and subtropical regions around the world. The genus is known for producing edible drupes (stone fruits) that vary in size, shape, and flavor depending on the species. While many fruits from this genus are consumed by humans and wildlife, the name "Ziziphus" itself refers to the entire group of related plants, not one specific fruit.

The Chinese Jujube: Ziziphus jujuba

When most people refer to the "jujube" fruit, they are typically talking about the species Ziziphus jujuba, also known as the Chinese date or red date. This species is native to Asia and has been cultivated for thousands of years. It is highly adaptable and can grow in a diverse range of climates, from temperate to tropical. The fruit of Ziziphus jujuba is oval-shaped and can be eaten fresh when its skin is green and crisp, or dried when it has turned brown and wrinkled, resembling a date in texture. The dried version is often used in teas, soups, and candies.

The Indian Jujube: Ziziphus mauritiana

Another significant species within the genus is Ziziphus mauritiana, often called the Indian jujube, Indian plum, or ber. Unlike its Chinese counterpart, Z. mauritiana is a tropical to subtropical species, thriving in warmer climates. It is native to South Asia and parts of Eastern Africa. The fruit is typically smaller than the Chinese jujube, with a thin, glossy skin and a white, crisp flesh when underripe. It is also eaten fresh, dried, or pickled.

Key Botanical and Growth Differences

While both the Chinese and Indian jujubes belong to the same genus, their physiological differences are a result of their distinct native climates and cultivation histories. This is the primary reason why they are not identical. Key differences include their heat and cold tolerance, as well as the texture of their fruits.

Comparison Table: Chinese vs. Indian Jujube


Feature	Chinese Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba)	Indian Jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana)
Climate	Temperate to tropical	Tropical to subtropical
Native Region	Southwest Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan	South Asia and Eastern Africa
Appearance	Oval fruit, maturing from green to wrinkled reddish-brown	Smaller, round or oblong fruit, typically turning yellow-orange
Flesh Texture	Crisp when green, becoming soft, chewy, and date-like when dried	Crisp and juicy when underripe, becoming soft and mealy when fully ripe
Common Uses	Eaten fresh, dried for snacks, teas, and medicine	Eaten fresh, dried, pickled, or made into beverages
Hardiness	Tolerates fairly cold winters (down to approx. 5°F)	Less cold-hardy, restricted to warmer climates

Global and Cultural Significance

The fruits from the Ziziphus genus have a wide range of uses in different cultures. In traditional Chinese medicine, Ziziphus jujuba is highly valued for its sedative properties and its ability to nourish the blood and calm the mind. In India, the leaves, roots, and bark of Ziziphus mauritiana are used for various medicinal purposes, including treating fevers and dysentery. The tree's hardiness also makes it valuable in arid regions for soil stabilization and as a food source.

Conclusion: The Genus and the Species

In summary, the statement "Ziziphus is the same as jujube" is botanically inaccurate but contextually understandable in common usage. Ziziphus is the scientific name for the genus of trees and shrubs to which the jujube fruit belongs. The most popular species, Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese jujube) and Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian jujube), are just two examples within this broader family. Knowing the distinction helps to correctly identify and differentiate between these related, but unique, fruits. Just as all apples are from the genus Malus, all jujubes are from the genus Ziziphus, but not all Ziziphus fruits are the specific fruit commonly called jujube. The diversity of the genus offers a variety of fruits adapted to different climates, each with its own set of characteristics and uses. For a deeper dive into the specific species, Wikipedia provides extensive information on Ziziphus jujuba.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ziziphus is the name of the broad botanical genus that includes dozens of species of trees and shrubs. Jujube is the common name for the edible fruit of the species Ziziphus jujuba, and sometimes other related species like Ziziphus mauritiana.

Yes, the terms Chinese date and jujube are both common names for the fruit of the species Ziziphus jujuba. The name "Chinese date" highlights the fact that when dried, the fruit's texture and appearance resemble a date.

Jujube trees are widespread and can be found globally. Ziziphus jujuba thrives in temperate regions, with the largest production in China, while Ziziphus mauritiana is better suited for tropical and subtropical climates, growing widely in South Asia and Africa.

No, while fruits from many Ziziphus species are edible, they have different flavors, textures, and uses. For example, the Indian jujube is smaller and has a slightly different texture than the Chinese jujube.

Yes, jujubes are low in calories and rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, particularly vitamin C. They also contain antioxidants and have been used in traditional medicine to help with sleep and anxiety.

A fresh, unripe jujube has a crisp, apple-like texture and a sweet flavor. As it ripens and turns red, the fruit's flesh softens and sweetens further, with a date-like taste and a chewier texture.

The Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) is also commonly known as ber or Indian plum.