Diospyros
( dye - as - PUH - rows)
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly known as Persimmon or Ebony, these trees can be grown as crops or as garden ornamentals, and are native to tropical regions (with a few species extending in to temperate regions). In addition to producing edible fruits, these plants also are valued for their timber, which is hard, heavy, and dark as well as their attractive appearance. Take care when planting these trees in the landscape, as their unripe fruits can be toxic to humans and pets if consumed in large quantities.
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Diospyros Species and Varietals
The genus Diospyros is a member of the plant family Ebenaceae and includes over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The genus name is derived from the Greek word for 'divine food' or 'divine fruit'. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
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Diospyros abyssinica (Giant Diaspyros, Koforonto, Baforonto) Native to sub-saharan Africa, these evergreen trees produce large, glossy dark green leaves with wavy margins. Young foliage is red. Flowers are small, and bloom singly or in small clusters. Blooms are creamy white to yellow in ccolor and are followed by fleshy, spherical blue-black fruits. These trees are prized traditional medicine trees in their native range. |
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Diospyros australis (Black Plum, Yellow Persimmon, Grey Plum) These attractive small trees top out at 65 feet tall and have yellow-tinged foliage. Bark is grey to black, and flowers are creamy green, blooming in October and December in the plant's native range (eastern Australia). Edible fruits mature in February through July, and are shiny and black. |
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Diospyros celebica (Black Ebony, Makassar Ebony) These trees are endemic to the island of Sulawesi in Indonesia, and reaches up to 66 feet tall when mature. These trees produce beautiful wood that is valued for use in woodworking. The species has been extensively logged for its wood since colonial times, and is currently considered vulnerable to extinction due to overharvesting. |
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Diospyros crassiflora (Gaboon Ebony, African Ebony, Cameroon Ebony, Nigeria Ebony, West African Ebony, Benin Ebony) This species of lowland rainforest trees is endemic to Western Africa, and produces what is known to be the darkest heartwood of any timber tree. Due to its popularity in woodworking projects, it has been overharvested and is currently endangered. |
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Diospyros decandra (Gold Apple, Trai Thi) These trees produce yellow-colored fragrant fruits that are eaten in the plant's native range (Vietnam). Flowers are white, and fruits are edible, known to taste quite good if harvested and prepared correctly. The fruits are known in the species' native range for their use in traditional medicine. |
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Diospyros dichrophylla (Poison Star-Apple, Bostolbos) These trees are closely related to the Persimmon, and grow to reach 50 feet tall when fully mature. Flowers produced by this species are creamy white and leaves are dark green above and pale green underneath. Leaf edges are often tightly rolled under. Blooms appear in November through March in the plant's native range, which includes most of southern Africa. Fruits are pumpkin shaped and pulp is clear and jelly-like. |
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Diospyros blancoi (Diospyros discolor) (Velvet Apple, Velvet Persimmon, Kamagong, Mabolo Tree) These plants are native to the Philippines and Taiwan, and produce edible fruits with velvety coverings. Flesh is soft, creamy, and pink with a flavor somewhat like a peach. These are tropical trees and are very productive. Seedless varieties are available. |
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Diospyros kaki (Oriental Persimmon, Chinese Persimmon, Japanese Persimmon, Kaki Persimmon)
This species is the most widely cultivated in the genus, and is native to China. It forms a deciduous tree up to 33 feet tall, and blooms from May through June. In this species, there are some cultivars in which male and female flowers are produced by the same trees. Fruits ripen in October and November, and are sweet and slightly tangy. These trees grow well in zones 6-9, 14-16, 18-24, and H1. Varieties are listed below:
This species is the most widely cultivated in the genus, and is native to China. It forms a deciduous tree up to 33 feet tall, and blooms from May through June. In this species, there are some cultivars in which male and female flowers are produced by the same trees. Fruits ripen in October and November, and are sweet and slightly tangy. These trees grow well in zones 6-9, 14-16, 18-24, and H1. Varieties are listed below:
'Chocolate'
Medium-sized seedless fruits with yellow-orange flesh. Astringent until soft-ripe, pollinated fruits have better flavor. |
'Fuyu'
Baseball-sized fruits with firm, non-astringent flesh. Similar to 'Jiro'. |
'Gosho' (Giant Fuyu)
This variety has very large fruits that are sweet and flavorful. |
'Hachiya'
Large, slightly pointed fruits that are astringent. Great as an ornamental tree. |
'Izu'
Medium-sized round fruits on a dwarf tree. Nonastringent fruits ripen early (end of summer). |
'Maru'
Medium-size fruits with shiny, orange skin and dark flesh. Astringent if unpollinated. Best flavor when seeded. |
'Nishimura Wase'
(Coffee Cake) Large, round fruits with spicy-sweet chocolate colored flesh. Ripens early. Use 'Chocolate' as pollinator. |
'Saijo'
Elongated dull yellow astringent fruits. Great in the PNW; Hardy cultivar. |
'Tamopan'
Large, acorn-shaped fruits that are astringent. |
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Diospyros lotus (Date-Plum, Caucasian Persimmon, Lilac Persimmon) These trees are native to temperate Asia and southeastern Europe, and produces small fruits that have a taste between a date and a plum. They are cultivated in many areas of the world, harvested for their edible fruits. Trees reach between 50 and 100 feet tall when mature, and produce shiny, leathery foliage. Flowers are small and greenish, blooming in June and July, and fruits are yellow when ripe in October through November. |
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Diospyros mespiliformis (Jackalberry, African Ebony, Jakkalsbessie) This large evergreen tree is native to the savannas of Africa, where they are favorites of local Jackal populations (hence the common name Jackalberry). Trees have dark grey fissured bark at maturity, and typically reach between 13 and 20 feet tall when mature (maximally 82 feet tall). Fruits are yellow to purple when ripe and taste a bit like lemons. |
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Diospyros nigra (Black Sapote, Chocolate Pudding Fruit, Black Soapapple, Xapote Prieto) These trees are native to Mexico, Central America, and Colombia, and reach over 80 feet tall when mature. They are evergreen and frost-sensitive trees that have dark green glossy foliage. These trees are heavy bearers of yellow-green fruits that have a taste and texture similar to chocolate pudding. Fruits contain up to 12 seeds each. |
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Diospyros rhombifolia (Diamond-Leaf Persimmon, Princess Persimmon) This species is native to southeastern China, and can form either a shrub or tree that reaches 26 feet tall when mature. These trees are widely cultivated worldwide as garden ornamentals for their attractive small leaves, and also produce orange fruits. This species is also used as a bonsai subject. |
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Diospyros texana (Texas Persimmon, Mexican Persimmon, Black Persimmon, Chapote, Chapote Manzano, Chapote Prieto) These trees are native to Texas, Oklahoma, and northeastern Mexico. The species typically forms a multitrunked small tree or large shrub that can live for between 30 and 50 years. Bark is smooth and light reddish-grey and foliage is glossy and green. White flowers bloom in March and April, and fruts ripen in August. Fruits are used in puddings and custards. |
Diospyros virginiana (American Persimmon, Common Persimmon, Eastern Persimmon, Simmon, Possumwood, Possum Apples, Sugar Plum)
This species has a native range that spans from southern Connecticut to Florida, west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa. Flowers are fragrant and white, and fruits are round to oval in shape and typically orange to yellow in color. They grow well in zones 3-9, 14-16, and 18-23.Commonly grown varieties are listed below:
This species has a native range that spans from southern Connecticut to Florida, west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa. Flowers are fragrant and white, and fruits are round to oval in shape and typically orange to yellow in color. They grow well in zones 3-9, 14-16, and 18-23.Commonly grown varieties are listed below:
'Early Golden'
Flavorful fruits that need cross-pollination for best harvests. |
'John Rick'
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'Miller'
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'Meader'
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'Woolbright'
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'Ennis'
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Diospyros whyteana (Bladdernut, Swartbas, Wild Coffee, UmTenatane) These small trees are native to Africa, and produce dark green glossy leaves and cream-colored, fragrant flowers. It is cultivated in south Africa as a strong, attractive ornamental garden tree, and can reach up to 20 feet tall when mature. These are excellent trees with a tidy shape and small red fruits which ripen from August through November. Drought-resistant and attractive to wildlife, these are great additions to any landscape. |
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Caring for and pruning Diospyros Trees
Caring for these useful trees and shrubs begins with choosing the perfect spot in the landscape. They generally thrive in full sun conditions, and will flower and fruit most abundantly when they receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Soil needs to be well-draining. They prefer loamy or sandy soil with a good proportion of organic matter mixed in. If local soils are overly clayey, make sure to amend the planting site with plenty of organic material, including compost and sand, before installation. If planting Persimmon trees in an orchard, they should be spaced between 10 and 20 feet apart (depending on the mature size of the tree). There should be no underplantings (including weeds and grass) within a four foot diameter of the trunk. After installation, apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the tree, making sure that it does not touch any trunk or above-ground roots. This will help to suppress weed growth in the area, increase soil moisture retention, and help to maintain a consistent soil temperature. Japanese persimmons prefer soil to dry out somewhat between waterings, and American and Hybrid varieties prefer regular to moderate consistent soil moisture.
Pruning should happen in late winter or early springtime, before new growth pushes out for the year but after the last frost of the season has passed. Remove any dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches at this time, and make sure to prune out some of the interior branches to increase air flow. Doing so will cut down on both pest and disease issues. A yearly springtime application of an organic compost is usually sufficient to provide enough nutrients for the growing season, but if trees seem to be struggling or are not producing as they typically do, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid excessively fertilizing these trees (especially with nitrogen), as this can cause the tree to produce more foliage than flowers (and subsequently fruits). Pruning is simple for these trees; for crop-producers, prune heavily when trees are young so that they develop a good, strong branching structure. At maturity, simply remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood yearly in late winter or early springtime, and ensure that the canopy is open enough to promote good airflow.
Harvesting Persimmons
There are numerous cultivars of Diospyros species that are grown primarily for their edible fruits. There are three types of persimmon fruits, astringent, non-astringent, and pollination-variant non astringent. Astringent cultivars contain high levels of tannins and are not edible until completely ripe. Non-astringent persimmons have far fewer tannins and lose their tannic qualities sooner than astringent types. They can be consumed while they are still firm, and remain edible when very soft. The third type of Persimmon fruit is less commonly available, but include fruits with brown flesh. These fruits can be eaten when they are firm, and are highly sought after. The fruits have high levels of dietary fiber, and are a great source of micronutrients, making them a superfood worth growing. Typically, harvests are mature from September through late November, though there are some 'early' varieties that are ripe in late summertime. Astringent varietals are best picked when they are somewhat mushy, and non-astringent varieties should be picked from trees when they have a slight give when gently pressed (similar to a ripened tomato). They can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked (astringent varieties are best when first processed to remove the extra tannins). It is recommended that Persimmons be stored stem side down, and they will stay fresh for a few weeks after harvesting.
Pruning should happen in late winter or early springtime, before new growth pushes out for the year but after the last frost of the season has passed. Remove any dead, damaged, diseased, or crossing branches at this time, and make sure to prune out some of the interior branches to increase air flow. Doing so will cut down on both pest and disease issues. A yearly springtime application of an organic compost is usually sufficient to provide enough nutrients for the growing season, but if trees seem to be struggling or are not producing as they typically do, they may benefit from a feeding with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. Avoid excessively fertilizing these trees (especially with nitrogen), as this can cause the tree to produce more foliage than flowers (and subsequently fruits). Pruning is simple for these trees; for crop-producers, prune heavily when trees are young so that they develop a good, strong branching structure. At maturity, simply remove dead, damaged, or diseased wood yearly in late winter or early springtime, and ensure that the canopy is open enough to promote good airflow.
Harvesting Persimmons
There are numerous cultivars of Diospyros species that are grown primarily for their edible fruits. There are three types of persimmon fruits, astringent, non-astringent, and pollination-variant non astringent. Astringent cultivars contain high levels of tannins and are not edible until completely ripe. Non-astringent persimmons have far fewer tannins and lose their tannic qualities sooner than astringent types. They can be consumed while they are still firm, and remain edible when very soft. The third type of Persimmon fruit is less commonly available, but include fruits with brown flesh. These fruits can be eaten when they are firm, and are highly sought after. The fruits have high levels of dietary fiber, and are a great source of micronutrients, making them a superfood worth growing. Typically, harvests are mature from September through late November, though there are some 'early' varieties that are ripe in late summertime. Astringent varietals are best picked when they are somewhat mushy, and non-astringent varieties should be picked from trees when they have a slight give when gently pressed (similar to a ripened tomato). They can be eaten fresh, dried or cooked (astringent varieties are best when first processed to remove the extra tannins). It is recommended that Persimmons be stored stem side down, and they will stay fresh for a few weeks after harvesting.
Propagation
Diospyros (Persimmon) trees can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your tree or shrub, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Diospyros by Cutting
Propagating Diospyros by Seed
Propagating Diospyros by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In late fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming mature side shoot and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Diospyros by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant, especially if the seeds are coming from a hybrid varietal. To propagate by seed, you will need a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Harvest your seeds. Seeds are located at the center of Persimmon fruits, and there are between about 1 and 8 seeds per fruit depending on the variety. Typically, it is necessary to have two trees planted in close proximity for cross-pollination to occur and produce viable seeds, but there are some cultivars that are self-pollinating. On average, pollinated fruits taste better than unpollinated fruits. Harvest fruits when they are fully ripened between the end of summer and early wintertime. Cut fruits open, remove seeds, and rinse off flesh by running them under water.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home
Persimmon seeds are located at the center of fruits.
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There are typically between 1 and 8 seeds per fruit, and they are somewhat flattened, ranging in color from brown to blackish.
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Problems and Pests
Persimmon trees are susceptible to the following pests and disease issues:
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For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to eradicate them if they take hold, consult the following pages:
Gallery
Persimmon trees are fantastic garden ornamentals.
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These trees are drought-tolerant when mature.
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Persimmon wood furniture is typically striped with the darker colors of the heartwood.
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Most Persimmon species are dioecious, and need a male and female tree to produce palatable fruits.
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Deciduous trees will have brilliant fall color before leaf drop.
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Persimmons are multi-use fruits, able to be eaten fresh, dried, or baked.
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Videos
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Check out these uncommon fruits.
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How to grow Japanese Persimmon trees.
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Lotus Plums are a tasty fruit.
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Fuyu Persimmons are some of the best ornamental fruit trees.
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 495, Persimmon
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