Quick facts
| Arabic name | السدر |
|---|---|
| English name | Sidr (Christ's Thorn) |
| Scientific name | Ziziphus spina-christi |
| Family | Buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae) |
| Plant type | Evergreen thorny tree |
| Height | Usually 5 to 12 m |
| Water use | Low |
Planting and harvest calendar
October to February
December to February
Flowers from September to November (Sidr honey season); nabq fruit is picked in winterTimes are general for the Saudi climate and may shift a few weeks by region: cooler in the highlands and the north, warmer on the coasts and in the south.
Description
A dense tree with paired thorns, one straight and one hooked. Leaves are oval and shiny with three clear veins. Flowers are small and yellow-green. The small round fruit (nabq) is edible.
Where it grows
Common in most regions, in valleys, plains and on hillsides. Often planted in farms and gardens.
Soil
Grows in many soil types, handles salty and alkaline soil, and has deep roots.
Water and irrigation
Very drought tolerant once settled.
Climate and light
Handles strong heat and full sun. Young trees are sensitive to hard frost.
Propagation
From seeds. Improved types are grafted.
Benefits and uses
- Bees make Sidr honey from it
- The nabq fruit is eaten
- Leaf powder was used to wash hair
- Gives shade and blocks wind
Drawbacks
- Thorny branches
- Strong spreading roots, so keep it away from buildings and pipes
- Falling fruits and leaves need cleaning
Sources and references
The information was collected and checked from these scientific sources:
- Plants of the World Online (POWO) - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: Ziziphus spina-christi
- Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF): Ziziphus spina-christi
- Wikipedia: Ziziphus spina-christi
- Chaudhary, S. A. (1999-2001). Flora of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ministry of Agriculture and Water, Riyadh.
- National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC)
- Photo source: Wikimedia Commons (free license)