Diospyros kaki Persimmon (Ebenaceae) Deciduous tree

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Diospyros kaki
Persimmon
Deciduous tree
(1 Page of 5)

The Diospyros kaki plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan. It is a member of the Ebenaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Persimmon. Some home gardeners know the variety as D. chinensis.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Diospyros kaki
Common Name:  Persimmon
Family:  Ebenaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  None known

Mature Height:  12   Mature Width:  7

Habitat:  Not known in a truly wild situation, it is found in broad leaved woodland but probably as an escape from cultivation[74, 200].

Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked[1, 2, 3, 7, 46, 61]. The fruit has an exquisitely rich flavour when it is very soft and fully ripe (almost at the point of going bad), but the fruit of many cultivars is very harsh and astringent before then[K]. In Britain, the fruit needs to be harvested whilst it is still very hard. This is done very late in the season (in December or even January if possible), it is then stored in a cool but frost-free place until very soft and fully ripe[K]. The fruit can also be used in pies, cakes, bread, desserts etc[183]. It contains 25% sugars[74]. A fuller nutritional analysis is available[218]. The fruit can also be dried for later use[183]. The fruit is about 7.5cm in diameter[200]. The peel of the fruit can be powdered and used as a sweetener[183]. The leaves are used to improve the flavour of pickled radishes[183]. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute[183, 240].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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