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Diospyros lotus Date plum Deciduous tree (1 Page of 5) The Diospyros lotus plant species is found in E. Asia - China, Japan. Himalayas. It is a member of the Ebenaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Date plum. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Diospyros lotus Common Name: Date plum Family: Ebenaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: None known Mature Height: 9 Mature Width: 6 Habitat: Mixed mountain forests to 1500 metres in China[74].
Cultivation Notes: Requires a good deep loamy soil in sun or light shade[200]. When being grown for its fruit, the tree should be given a warm, sheltered, sunny position[K]. It dislikes very acid or wet and poorly drained soils[200].
Dormant plants are very cold-hardy, but the young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[K].
Dioecious, but the female tree can produce seedless fruits in the absence of a pollinator[1]. It is likely that unfertilized fruits are more astringent than fertilized fruits since this is the case with D. kaki[K].
Plants have a long tap root and are difficult to transplant[200], it is best to plant them out in their permanent position as soon as possible and to give protection overwinter for the first year or two[K].
This species is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit in Italy and E. Asia, there are some named varieties[142, 183].
For further Diospyros lotus gardening information click on one of the blue links below 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'. View their bibliography

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