Ceylon Ebony, Ebony persimmon
Diospyros ebenum

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A tree which loses its leaves. It is a tall tree. The bark is grey. The wood is hard, black and heavy. The leaves are alternate and have short leaf stalks. The leaves are oval or oblong and leathery. They are entire and glossy. The male and female flowers are separate on the same tree. The flowers do not have leaf stalks. They male flowers are in clusters and the female flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. The fruit is an oval berry. They are 2-2.5 cm across. They have a rusty brown surface. There are 3 to 8 seeds.

There are about 485 species of Diospyros mostly in the tropics. The wood is very hard

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in humid coastlands and lowland forests. It needs rich, moist soils and a protected sunny position. It is damaged by drought and frost. In XTBG Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Belize, Brazil, Central America, China, India, Indochina, Malaysia, Mexico, Northeastern India, Philippines, SE Asia, Sri Lanka (country/location of origin), Vietnam

How it is used for food

CAUTION: There have been reports of toxic effects when large amounts of fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The seed should be planted deeply.

It is slow growing.

Its other names

Local names

Abnus, Eba na, Ebans, Ebony tree, Kaluwaru, Karai, Karemara, Karu, Karungaali, Karunkali, Kendhu, Mushtumpi, Nallavalludu, Nalluti, Sapota-preta, Thi huyen, Tuki, Tumbi, Tumiki, Vauari

Synonyms

Diospyros assimilis Bedd.; Diospyros ebenaster Retz.; Diospyros glaberrima Rottler; Diospyros laurifolia A. Rich.; Diospyros membranacea A. DC.; Diospyros timoriana (A. DC.) Miq.; Diospyros sapota Roxb.; ?