Paliurus

Paliurus is a genus of shrubs and small trees in the family Rhamnaceae. The genus is native to the Mediterranean region, the Middle East, and East Asia. Species within Paliurus are characterized by their spiny branches and often leathery leaves.

The most well-known species is Paliurus spina-christi, commonly known as Christ's thorn jujube. This species is native to the Mediterranean and Middle East and is often found in arid and semi-arid regions. It is a thorny shrub that can grow up to several meters in height. Its fruit is a small, dry drupe. Folklore associated with this plant suggests it may have been used to create the crown of thorns for Jesus, though this is debated.

Another species, Paliurus ramosissimus, is found in East Asia, including China and Japan. It also forms thorny shrubs and has similar ecological preferences to P. spina-christi. Other species are distributed across the native range of the genus, each adapted to specific local conditions.

The wood of Paliurus species is typically hard and durable, though the size of the plants often limits its commercial use to smaller items. Some species have been used in traditional medicine in various regions. The thorny nature of these plants also makes them effective as natural barriers or hedges.