Chinese Jujube or Chinese Date Ziziphus spinosa Suan zao ren
Commonly used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to calm the mind and preserve the 'chi', it has recently been rediscovered by western pharmaceutical companies and is now being incorporated into patented sleep remedies.
Chinese Date is not a 'date' but the dried fruit is certainly similar in appearance.
Chinese Date is a deciduous tree and with its spines, leathery leaves and tiny yellow flowers it is not a visual pleasure in the garden but sometimes 'you just get that'.
The studies that have been released show that the herb does have hypnotic and mild tranquillising effects on the body and are also analgesic.
It is usually used in the treatment of irritability, insomnia and anxiety. Germination is usually quite easy if planted anywhere from Spring to Autumn.
It has been declared a weed in some states, so it is best to check first. Seed will not normally germinate at the same time and may stagger over 6-12 months which is natural for many trees of this size that develop a canopy. It can be challenging to grow.
Packet of 10 seeds $4.00
We sometimes have some potted seedlings on our Nursery site.