枣(原变种) zao (yuan bian zhong)

Rhamnus zizyphus Linnaeus, Sp. Pl. 1: 194. 1753; Ziziphus sativa Gaertner; Z. sinensis Lamarck; Z. vulgaris Lamarck; Z. zizyphus (Linnaeus) H. Karsten, nom. rej. prop.

Branches with stipular spines. Drupe large, 1.5-2 cm in diam.; mesocarp sweet-tasting; stone acute at both ends. Fr. Aug-Oct.

● Mountains, hills, plains, also widely cultivated; below 1700 m. Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xinjiang, Yunnan, Zhejiang [cultivated in Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America].

This taxon is an important honey plant. The fruit is edible, rich in vitamin C, and often preserved or candied. The fresh fruit is used medicinally.