“The tropical jujube — 'almost like a juicier, sweeter version of a Chinese juju.' Cultivar unconfirmed (possibly a Thai/Taiwanese thornless type).”
Background
A distinct tropical species, not a cultivar of Chinese jujube: native to south-central Asia with records of cultivation in India from 1000 B.C., naturalized across tropical Africa, Asia, and Australia. Unlike the temperate Chinese jujube it is evergreen or only briefly deciduous and needs essentially no winter chill. India has 90+ named cultivars (including one literally called 'Thornless'); in the U.S. trade the improved type most commonly sold is called 'Thai Giant' or 'Thai Green Thornless,' with a Taiwanese selection ('Giant Taiwanese #13') also appearing in the trade. Matt's tree's cultivar is unconfirmed; it is possibly one of these Thai/Taiwanese thornless types.
Distinguishing traits
Round, shiny fruit 1-2.5 in with white, crisp, juicy flesh and a green-apple flavor when fresh; much juicier and sweeter-tasting fresh than Chinese jujube, per Matt's note. Fruits in winter (a welcome off-season crop noted by growers). Typically thorny, but thornless or nearly thornless selections exist (spineless individuals also occur naturally). Larger, broadly veined, tomentose leaves than Z. jujuba.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Essentially none required (evergreen to briefly deciduous)
- Cold hardiness
- USDA zone 8+; established plants tolerate brief cold around 10-20°F, but young growth is frost-damaged. Markedly less cold-hardy than true jujube; brief Queen Creek freezes are the main risk.
- Heat tolerance
- Very heat tolerant; survives temperatures up to about 122°F; fruit quality is best under hot, sunny, dry conditions
- Water
- Little to no water needed in the cool season; occasional deep soakings in prolonged summer drought. Tolerates salinity, drought, and even waterlogging.
- Soil
- Deep sandy loam to loamy soils, neutral to slightly alkaline, are optimum; grows on a wide variety of soils if drained
- Sun exposure
- Full sun, genuinely required for good growth and fruiting