About Pseudoziziphus celata (Judd & D.W.Hall) Hauenschild
Florida ziziphus, scientifically named Pseudoziziphus celata (Judd & D.W.Hall) Hauenschild, is a small spiny shrub that typically grows less than 2 meters tall. It produces small, round, shiny alternately arranged leaves that are deciduous during the winter dry season. Clusters of highly fragrant tiny yellow-green flowers bloom between December and February. Grape-sized yellow-orange fruit may develop between April and May, though these fruits are very rare. This species is highly clonal: a single genetic individual (genet) can grow numerous clonal shoots (ramets). Currently, Florida ziziphus is only found in twelve existing wild populations located in Highlands County and Polk County, Florida. Across all these populations, there are only around 40 genetically distinct individuals, though these can produce many clonal ramets when growing in ideal conditions.
