Morphological Investigation of Genus &i&Ziziphus&/i& Mill. (Rhamnaceae) in Saudi Arabia

摘要

The genus Ziziphus Mill. is a member of the Family Rhamnaceae and comprises of ca. 170 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions. The species in the genus are of economic and medicinal importance. This study was conducted to identify the members of the genus in Saudi Arabia as well as morphological features that show delimitation in the genus. Field survey was conducted across the study area where 74 individuals were collected and used in the study; additionally, herbarium specimens were also employed. Both floral and vegetative parts which include habit, leaf, fruit and flowers were examined. The result showed that there is variation in morphological features among the species within the genus and the genus is represented by three species namely Ziziphus nummularia , Z . mucronata , and Z . spina-christi and two varieties Z . spina-christi var. spina-christi , Z . spina-christi var. microphylla .