Known as Morus alba, it originates from Asia and is a fast-growing deciduous tree that provides exceptionally cool shade. Its fruit is the mulberry; while white and black varieties exist, the fruit typically has a sweet and distinctive flavor.

It is primarily suited for Mediterranean and continental gardens. Its broad, dense crown, combined with large, thick leaves, makes it an ideal choice for educational institutions, gardens, parks, parking lots, and campsites, as well as for soil stabilization.

It is a plant highly resistant to drought, urban pollution, and wind; once established, it adapts to various soil types, although it grows faster in fertile, moist soil. It tolerates temperatures as low as -15ºC and very hot summers with temperatures of 35ºC to 40ºC.

It can be planted in full sun during late winter or early spring in loose, fertile, well-drained soil mixing the native soil with organic matter or compost at a safe distance from pipes, walls, or sidewalks, as its roots are strong. If the plant is young or located in a windy area, a wooden stake should be used to prevent the trunk from bending during its first two or three years.

It requires moderate watering; young plants need moisture, but once established, they tolerate drought well. An application of organic fertilizer in spring promotes growth and foliage. Structural pruning is necessary during the early years to shape the plant, along with annual pruning to remove dead branches and control its size.

Its scientific name is Citrus limon; it is a perennial fruit-bearing plant in the Rue family Rutaceae that originated in Asia and is widely cultivated in temperate climates. It is highly prized for its glossy green leaves, striking orange blossoms, and acidic fruit. People enjoy having a lemon tree in their gardens because it is highly ornamental, blooms almost year-round, and produces lemons multiple times a year.

It is a very popular plant for decorating gardens, terraces, or patios, or for planting in open ground to harvest its lemons, which can be used to make lemonade, prepare baked goods, or season dishes. The lemon tree is highly valued in the fields of gastronomy, cosmetics, hygiene, and nutrition, and above all as a natural insect repellent.

The lemon tree is particularly sensitive to cold; therefore, it thrives in temperate, semi-tropical, or Mediterranean climates with average annual temperatures between 17°C and 30°C. It can withstand temperatures up to 50°C, provided there is sufficient soil moisture and the tree is not exposed to excessive humidity or hot, dry winds that could parch the leaves and cause the lemons to lose acidity and rind thickness. It tolerates brief, light frosts down to -5°C or -10°C, although temperatures below 0°C can damage flowers and fruit, resulting in a loss of commercial quality.

It thrives in sunny locations receiving 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily and needs protection from the wind. It requires soil rich in organic matter that drains well to prevent waterlogging, with a pH ranging from slightly acidic to neutral 5.5 to 6.5. Avoiding waterlogging is crucial, as excess moisture causes root rot. If you live in an area with harsh winters, it is advisable to protect the plant or grow it in a pot so it can be moved indoors.

During its early growth and development stage, it requires more water. In spring and summer, plants in the ground should be watered 2 to 3 times a week, while potted plants may need watering every 1 or 2 days. Reduce the frequency in autumn and winter, watering once a week or every two weeks depending on rainfall and ambient humidity and allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

The jujube tree Ziziphus jujuba is a hardy, deciduous fruit-bearing plant native to Asia that is cultivated in the Mediterranean region. It features a very hard, durable trunk and, in its early stages, often develops numerous thorns and root suckers. Its fruits known as jujubes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants; they are used in traditional medicine to relieve coughs, soothe anxiety, and serve as a natural remedy for insomnia. The tree has a rounded shape and a distinctive, twisted branch structure that gives it a natural, sculptural, and striking appearance.

The jujube tree is primarily used in landscaping to create microclimates and sustainable, low-water-consumption gardens; thanks to its thorny branches, it also serves as a natural barrier or impenetrable hedge for demarcating plots or land.

It withstands long, hot summers with temperatures of 40°C or 45°C and is capable of adapting to poor soils and enduring long periods of drought once planted in the ground. It tolerates strong winds and winters with moderate frosts and intense cold down to -15°C, although it thrives best in temperate and mild continental zones.

It can be planted in full sun and sheltered from strong winds whether in gardens, orchards, or dry-farming areas within temperate or continental regions featuring poor, rocky, or highly calcareous soils, as it thrives in such conditions; however, care should be taken regarding its roots, as they can be expansive and produce shoots around the trunk.

It is necessary to add compost at the start to provide nutrients and to water the plant generously during the first year. Once established, water moderately in spring and summer to improve the harvest. Pruning should be carried out in late winter, after the frosts, to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the plant. Each year, any shoots emerging from the trunk at ground level must be cut off at the root using a hoe to prevent them from spreading and taking over the area.