Zapote negro mont's, zapotillo.
Diospyros conzattii

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

Diospyros conzatti is a deciduous, tropical tree reaches about 10 m in height. It is found in Central America. The fruit is eaten raw and the wood is valuable. It is propagated by seeds.

Diospyros conzattii is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Dry tropical forest on coastal slopes. Also found at elevations between 220 - 2,200 metres altitude on slopes with pine-oak woodland; alder-oak forests and deciduous forests.

Central America - southern Mexico.

Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed.

Countries/locations it is found in

Costa Rica; Mexico, Australia, Central America, North America,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 4

Fruit - raw. An exquisite flavour. The fruit is about 4cm wide and 2cm long, containing 5 - 10 fairly large seeds.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

Other Uses: The wood is valuable. Economic Importance: wood

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

It is a tropical plant. We have seen no individual confirmation for this species, but in general Diospyros species are dioecious and require both male and female forms to be grown if fruit and seed are required.

Propagating it: Seed - it has a very short viability and so should be sown as soon as possible. The flesh should be removed since this contains germination inhibitors. Sow the seed in a shady position in a nursery seedbed. The sowing media for ebony uses soil and fine sand at the ratio 3:1. The seed is planted horizontally or vertically with the radicle end down, with a sowing depth of 1 - 1.5x the thickness of seed. Distance between the seeds is 3 - 5cm. Seeds are very sensitive to desiccation during germination and early growth, so must be regularly watered at this time. Normally the seed will germinate after one week. In one trial, fresh seed, sown one day after collection, showed 85% germination rate within 17 - 65 days. As a rule fresh seeds have a high percentage of fertility. The seedlings develop long taproots at an early stage, often before any appreciable elongation of the shoot takes place. The growth of the seedling is decidedly slow .

Best place to grow:

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 10-12

Growth: Slow

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

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

zapote negro montés: Spanish (Mexico); zapote negro silvestre: Spanish (Mexico); zapotillo; Spanish (Mexico); Uzxaca,

Synonyms

Diospyros gomeziorum Provance & A.C.Sanders; Diospyros gomeziorum Provance & A.C.Sanders; Diospyros