Clamberry persimmon, Wattle tree
Diospyros tetrasperma

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 6-12 m high. The crown is round and dense. The trunk is upright and 30-50 cm across. The bark cracks into plates. The leaves are simple and alternate. They have a wavy edge. They are 6-12 cm long by 4-6 cm wide. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are greenish-yellow. The fruit are a flattened round shape. They become greenish-purple when ripe. They have 4-8 seeds.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in broadleaf semi-deciduous forest in Brazil.

Countries/locations it is found in

Belize, Brazil, Central America, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Haiti, Hispaniola, Jamaica, Mexico, North America, South America, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten but are slightly bitter.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are put in a heap to allow them to soften to make it more easy to reove the seeds. The seeds are washed out in a seive and planted fresh. Seeds germinate in 70-90 days.

Its other names

Local names

Maria-preta, Olho-de-boi

Synonyms

Diospyros cuneata Standl.; Diospyros obovata Jacq.; Diospyros schippii Standl.; Macreitghtia Miers;