Unabi (aka Yuyuba)

Unabi Is a tree that belongs to thermophilic perennials and belongs to the Krushinov family. The plant differs in fruits, which contain a lot of juice and useful elements. China is considered the birthplace of this plant, namely its northern territories. Also in the wild, unabi is found in Mongolia, Tajikistan, Iran and other countries. Plants bred by the selection method are grown in India, the Caucasus, in the Krasnodar Territory, as well as in other territories with a mild and warm climate. Experienced gardeners who put a lot of effort into their hobby can try to grow a tree in central Russia.

Plant characteristic

There are many names for the plant. These are Chinese dates, ziziphus and jujuba, and others. Thus, the tree is called by different peoples. All of these names refer to one plant, which is an evergreen shrub, as well as a tree with a low trunk not exceeding 10 m in height.

The bulk of plants in the wild reaches 5 meters. The culture is characterized by a strong trunk, which is covered with a dark gray bark with a wrinkled surface. The stems of this plant are spreading, grow quite long and are characterized by the presence of sharp thorns.

Those varieties that are bred by breeders do not have thorns, and in some varieties the thorns can crumble when the tree is already old enough for about 30 years. Despite the spreading of the branches, it grows quite rarely, so the plant does not represent a big obstacle and does not create a strong shadow for other plants.

The roots of this culture are quite powerful, have a large branching and spread deeply underground, due to which the tree acquires additional stability in the ground, as well as to waterless periods. The leaves of this plant have a dark green pronounced shade and a glossy surface. Their shape resembles an egg. There is also a lanceolate leaf shape with characteristic pointed ends of the leaf plate, which do not exceed 5 cm. The leaf width is about 3 cm. The leaf petioles are short, and the leaves are arranged alternately on the branches. Also, a pattern of veins is clearly visible on each sheet.

Buds bloom, unlike other trees, already at the end of spring, which is considered a rather late period, since many of the trees begin to bloom already at this time. The flowering of this culture begins in early summer. The flowers are not distinguished by their large size and look like stars. Have a light or light green tint. The culture is characterized by cross-pollination, after the flowers on the tree, fruits are formed, the ripening period of which is in the fall.

The fruits of this plant are pear-shaped. Themselves are juicy, fleshy drupes, which are formed by several pieces on one branch. In the wild, unabi fruits resemble olives, their size does not exceed 5 cm. Trees that are grown by gardeners are distinguished by larger fruits, about 4 cm. The structure of the fruit is similar to the fruit of the date palm. When the fruits are ripe, they have a tough structure and a lemon hue. Ripe fruits will have a red skin and also a juicy pulp with a lot of grains. There is a fairly large bone inside each fruit. The fruits of this tree have a sweet and sour taste, they are also called Chinese dates.

The crop does not have a long shelf life, therefore, even in cold storage conditions, the fruits can deteriorate after 7 days. In this regard, it is recommended to use the fruits freshly harvested or to make them blanks in the form of jam, jam, compote. You can dry or preserve them. In some regions, the pulp of the unabi fruit is used for making pastry dough. Also, various other peoples prepare national dishes with the addition of unabi fruits.

Beneficial features

Chinese dates are very healthy foods because they have a large supply of nutrients. So, the energy value of these fruits is much higher than in apples or pears and is equal to about the same amount of its content in the fruits of bananas and grapes.

In addition, the unabi fruits also have medicinal properties, since they contain a large amount of minerals and vitamins, as well as various useful compounds, therefore, the use of fruits has the goal of not only obtaining nutrients, but also coping with various ailments.

The fruits are used as an antioxidant agent, a remedy against various inflammations, besides, the fruits have an expectorant effect. They are advised to be used by those people who suffer from a violation of blood pressure, often suffer from diseases of the upper respiratory tract, with impaired renal function, liver, and also use various decoctions and jams made from fruits, in case of poisoning, during fever, with depression and fatigue. Chinese dates can cope with headaches, increase the body's resistance to various diseases, help restore metabolism in the human body, and also stimulate the gastrointestinal tract. These fruits are also useful for women who are in a position when they are not feeling well. Lactating women also use these fruits to increase lactation.

It is noted that those people who eat at least a few unabi fruits daily can prolong the youthfulness of the skin and thereby slow down the aging process of the body. The fruits are also used for cosmetic purposes. Medicinal properties are possessed not only by the fruits of the plant, but also by all its other parts, namely leaves, seeds, bark. All this is actively used by traditional medicine.

These parts of unabi are used for disorders of the nervous system, for sleep disorders, during various skin ailments, as well as for the treatment of dental problems. The bark of the tree is infused and used to nourish and improve the structure of the hair.

Contraindications

Like any other plant, the fruits and other parts of the unabi have contraindications, so do not overdo it and consume more than 10 fruits a day. Only people who have no contraindications to the use of Chinese dates can afford a larger amount of delicacies. If you observe an upset gastrointestinal tract, you should completely stop using them.

It is also contraindicated to use the fruits of unabi for people who suffer from low blood pressure, dysfunction of the stomach, as well as the liver. People who suffer from allergies need to be extra careful too. It is best to try a small amount of berries first, and then control the process and their use yourself.

Plant species

There are a very large number of species of this plant. Further, we will discuss in more detail only a few of them.

Unabi ordinary... In the wild, this plant can be found in western China. Outwardly, it is a 6 meter tree with a spreading crown. The leaves are very rich green and egg-shaped. They are also characterized by sharpening at the ends. The shade of the fruit is brown here. The shape resembles an oval, the length of one fruit does not exceed 6 cm.The harvest period is early autumn. This plant has a long life span, more than 1 century. However, old crops are no longer bearing fruit. A tree in active fruiting can produce approximately 50 kg of fruit in one season.

Lotus tree... This species was brought from the Mediterranean countries. Leaves also fly around in autumn, the tree has a wide branched crown. The buds begin to bloom in late spring. After the flowering period, fruits are formed that have a yellow tint and the shape of a ball, not exceeding 3-4 cm in diameter. The harvest is also taken here in early autumn.

Unabi is Moorish. It is a plant native to Africa. It differs slightly from the above plants, since its leaves are wider and more elongated. The fruits here have a red tint, their diameter is 4 cm. Chinese ziziphus is also grown in our country. Here you should select those varieties that have good frost resistance. Other varieties can only be grown under special conditions in a greenhouse.

Landing rules

This plant usually feels comfortable in conditions similar to the hot subtropical climate. The plant is resistant to drought, and also feels calm at temperatures over 30 degrees, so for planting it is better to choose some elevated place or mound so that the bright sun actively falls on the plants throughout the day. Any soil is suitable here, the main thing is that it is loose, saturated with a neutral and acidic reaction.

This plant will not grow well in heavy acidic soils. In our country, this plant is grown in specially constructed greenhouses near various buildings so that the tree is kept warm for as long as possible, and is also protected in especially harsh winters. Planting material should be purchased in special nurseries and bred specifically for certain weather conditions. Having bought seedlings brought from hot countries, the plant is unlikely to be able to grow on the site.

The optimal time for planting is spring, when the soil warms up enough at least 12 degrees, and a stable temperature of about 17 degrees is already established outside. It is best to plant multiple crops to increase the likelihood of fruiting. It also allows the trees to pollinate. The landing pit must be prepared in advance. It should be deep enough, 50 cm in all directions. Rotted compost mixed with soil must be added to the pit. When the hole is half full, it is necessary to place the seedling in the center and straighten all the roots. Next, you need to fill the hole with the remaining soil.

The level of the root collar should be controlled, which should be flush with the ground. The tree must be watered using a watering can. The calculation of water should be 10 liters per plant. It is not necessary to apply mineral fertilizers, as well as organic matter during planting, as this can lead to burns of delicate roots.

Care rules

Once a seedling is planted, it needs to be watered twice a month for the first two years. However, watering should be done only in hot weather, when there is no rain for a long time. If it rains regularly, then there is no need to water the plant, since waterlogged soil can lead to rotting of the root system. An adult tree does not need watering at all, since the deeply located root system can feed on groundwater.

Also, while the plant is young, you should regularly weed it so that the weeds do not take up nutrients, and also loosen it. To make it easier for yourself, you can lay out a fairly thick layer of mulch, which is perfect for dry leaves, needles, and sawdust.

When the plant is already mature enough, namely after 2 years, you can begin to apply fertilizers. You need to feed the trees in the spring.As a fertilizer, a composition consisting of humus, superphosphate, ammonium nitrate with the addition of potassium salt is perfect. It is best to use a dry powder that spreads evenly around the root system of the tree. After which it is dug up a little, and the plant is watered abundantly. Typically, one fertilization process will suffice.

Since the weather in central Russia is not hot, and it is also characterized by frequent frosts, the tree grows for a very long time and most often in the form of a bush. Those shoots that are frozen must be cut off. You also need to thin out the crown from time to time. Unabi varietal trees begin to bear fruit as early as 4 years after planting. Wildlife grows more slowly, and it will be possible to harvest only after 6 years.

Preparing for winter

The plant, which is grown in temperate climates, requires special preparation before the winter period, since the tree is not frost-resistant and can only withstand severe frosts under conditions of a short period. If the 30-degree frost continues for a long time, the plant may freeze.

It is best to create the necessary warmth and cover the plant to protect its root collar, from which new shoots will then grow. It is necessary to cover the ground around the plant with a good layer of mulch, and also to tilt the branches closer to the soil surface. For fastening, you can use wire or special staples. From above, the plant is covered with material from which bags are made. When spring comes and the cold recedes, it is necessary to immediately remove the burlap and inspect the tree for the presence of frozen branches. This is difficult to do, since the leaves begin to bloom late in the tree. You can cut off a small section of the stem at the end of spring and see: if it is black inside, then the stem is frozen.

Reproduction

Unabi propagates wild with seeds. Gardeners use vegetative propagation methods, namely by layering, root suckers, and also using the grafting method. The process is very laborious and therefore requires a lot of experience and free time from the gardener.

The seeds should be planted in the soil in a permanent place of growth, since it is impossible to grow a tree using seedlings, since it does not tolerate transplantation. The best time for planting is autumn. This is the middle of spring or the end of it. In this case, the bones are buried by about 5 cm. Crops should be additionally insulated with needles or wood chips. The winter period will be enough for the dense shell of the seed to be damaged, and the first shoots may appear in the spring.

Adult shrubs are usually propagated by root appendages. This must be done in May. At the beginning, they are dug in and very carefully separated from the adult plant, then they are planted in a new place.

For propagation by layering, it is necessary to choose a healthy side branch and, at the beginning of spring, tilt it to the ground as much as possible, strengthening it with special staples, and also make several notches in the bark. Thus, the branch will be pressed to the soil exactly at the place of the incision, it is also better to cover this place with earth. The top of the branch must be left open. Further, the plant is looked after as for an ordinary tree, not forgetting about watering and periodically weeding the place around the layer. In the places of the incision, the tree to start up new roots, after which the shoot can be separated from the adult plant.

Propagation by cuttings. Mature ziziphus trees are also suitable for this. It is necessary to cut off one shoot, the diameter of which will be at least 1 cm. It should be cut into small pieces, about 15 cm each and placed in special containers with a moist substrate. After a month, the dormant buds will wake up and stimulate the growth of young twigs.They should be cared for during the winter period and when summer comes they will be ready to be transplanted outdoors.

Vaccination and budding. In order to propagate a plant by grafting, it is necessary to take an adult plant as a scion and graft a stalk cut from another variety that you want to get to it. If you want to propagate a tree by budding, then you should make a T-shaped cut in the trunk of an adult tree and place a tree bud from the desired variety there. The junction must be properly wound.

Diseases and insect pests

Unabi is not so common as a crop, so it is not threatened by various insects - pests, as well as common diseases. The only thing that can cause the disease is the appearance of cracks in unripe fruits. As a rule, the reason for this is the wrong irrigation regime, as well as excessive waterlogging of the soil. In addition, it happens that the fruits rot prematurely. The reason for this is the wrong watering regime, as well as various fungal microorganisms. It is best to use prevention methods here, and periodically spray the plants with a fungicide. If you see rotten fruits, then they must be removed.

Southern seedlings are most commonly affected by diseases such as viral spotting and witch broomsticks. Signs of these ailments are light stains on the surface of the leaf plates. If this fate struck your plant, then you should part with it, since there are no methods of treatment. If you observe that short branches grow in the form of a bunch, then the tree has a second disease. With this ailment, it is necessary to constantly cut out the bundles.

Conclusion

Ziziphus is a unique plant that is quite rare in the areas of domestic gardeners. The culture is southern, so the temperate climate prevailing in central Russia is not suitable for it. However, those who managed to grow this plant can be proud, since the fruits of the tree are not only tasty, but also have a lot of useful properties.