Black Persimmon
Diospyros texanum

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

Diospyros texanum is a TREE growing to 12 m (39ft 4in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 12

Where it is found

Rocky hills, ravine sides and canyons, often on limestone.

Southern N. America - Texas and New Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. The fruits, which are about 20mm in diameter are sweet and tasty when fully ripe.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

A black dye can be obtained from the juice of the fruit. Wood - heavy, hard, compact, takes a high polish. It is used for making tools, engraving blocks etc.

How it is grown

257201

Propagating it: Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Stored seed requires a period of cold-stratification and should be sown as early in the year as possible. It usually germinates in 1 - 6 months at 15°c. Pot up the young seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into fairly deep pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Give them some protection from winter cold for their first year or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering in spring.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Secondary; Sunny Edge;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brayodendron texanum