This document summarizes information about genetic diversity and status of Ziziphus species in India. It discusses two main species cultivated in India - Ziziphus mauritiana (Indian ber) and Ziziphus jujuba (Chinese ber). It provides details on their origin, distribution, cultivation practices, morphological characteristics, flowering and fruiting patterns. It also describes the genetic resources conserved in germplasm collections and the diversity within the Ziziphus genus. Factors influencing productivity and strategies to improve the species through exploitation of wild relatives are summarized.