Explore Paliurus spina-christi (Christ's Thorn) - its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Paliurus spina-christi | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Christ's Thorn, Jerusalem Thorn
Family: Rhamnaceae
Appearance: A deciduous shrub or small tree with spiny branches, producing small, yellow-green flowers and distinctive, disc-shaped fruit.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Deciduous
Layer: Shrub/Small Tree
Root System: Features a deep taproot with a network of lateral roots
Height: Up to 5 meters
Width: Approximately 3 meters
Lifespan: Can live for several decades
Growth Rate: Slow to moderate
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Not known hazards
Paliurus spina-christi | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: Mediterranean region, Southwest Asia, and Southeast Europe
Companionship: Often found with other Mediterranean shrubs and small trees
Invasive Range: Not widely reported as invasive
USDA Hardiness Zone: 6 - 9
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None specified
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: High tolerance
Shade: Medium tolerance
Flood: Low tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: Moderate tolerance
Fire: Moderate tolerance
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Prefers dry to moderately moist conditions
Soil Type: Well-drained, sandy or rocky soils
Soil PH: Prefers slightly acidic to neutral (6.0 - 7.5)
Propagation
Seeds: Require cold stratification
Cuttings: Yes
Paliurus spina-christi | Functional Uses and Benefits
Edible: The fruit is edible
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties
Cosmetics: Not typically used in cosmetics
Animal Feed: Can be used as fodder for livestock
Fiber: Not used for fiber
Timber: Not typically used for timber
Firewood: Can be used as firewood
Wind Break: Can serve as a windbreak due to its dense and spiny growth
Fence: Can be used as a natural barrier plant
Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop
Mulch: Not typically used as mulch
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available
Pollinator Attractor: Yes, attracts bees and other insects
Pest Repellent: Not typically known as a pest repellent
Wildlife Supporter: Provides habitat for various small animals and birds
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