Lotus
Ziziphus lotus
- Native to:
- Algeria, Burkina, Cyprus, Egypt, Greece, Gulf States, Lebanon-Syria, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Palestine, Sicilia, Spain, Tunisia, Türkiye, Western Sahara
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Rhamnaceae
- Genus:
- Ziziphus
- Species:
- Ziziphus lotus
- USDA Symbol:
- ZILO
Growth Characteristics
- Height:
- 500 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- may,jun,jul
- Bloom Colors:
- yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds, small mammals
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, well-drained, nutrient-poor soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to arid and semi-arid regions
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 30–60 days
- Notes:
- Seeds require scarification (nicking or hot water treatment) followed by cold stratification for 60-90 days.