Christ's thorn, Jerusalem thorn
Paliuris spina-christi

Family: Rhamnaceae

What it is like

A slender straggling shrub. It grows to 5 m high. The branches are very spiny. They have many pairs of thorns, one straight and one curved over. The stems arch over. The stems are zigzag. The leaves are alternate and arranged in 2 opposite ranks. They are oval and have teeth and have 3 veins along them. They are shiny green and have short stalks. The flowers are yellowish-green and borne in clusters. The flowers have a slight perfume. The woody fruit is up to 3 cm across. They are flat and circular. The fruit are red.

There are 8 Paliuris species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. On dry sandy hills up to 3000 m altitude. It grows best in well drained soil in full sunlight. It prefers soil with lime. It can tolerate drought once established. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Central Asia, China, Croatia, Europe, France, Georgia, Greece, Iraq, Italy, Mediterranean, Middle East, Portugal, San Marino, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten fresh or dried.

Young fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed. They are best sown when freshly ripe. Plants cna be grown from cuttings of half ripe wood. They can also be grown from root cuttings. Plants can also be grown by layering.

Its other names

Local names

Astre, Crna draca, Dalike, Darzee, Draca, Karacali, Kolacci, Kolaci, Navadni derak, Zee

Synonyms

Paliuris aculeatus (Lam.); Paliuris australis (Gaertn.); Paliuris spina-christi Mill.; Paliuris virgatus (.);