Nepal ebony persimmon, Kendu
Diospyros exsculpta

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It loses its leaves during the year. The leaves are broadly oval. Flowers are separately male and female. Male flowers are in groups and female flowers occur singly. The fruit are oval. It has a hard smooth skin. The pulp is soft and yellow.

There are about 485 species of Diospyros mostly in the tropics.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In NW India it grows up to 800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, East Indies, Himalayas, India, Northeastern India, Nepal

How it is used for food

The mature fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

The fruit ripen during June and July.

Its other names

Local names

Cittatumiki, Kakatinduka, Kandhu, Kend, Kendu, Kinnu, Kyon, Kyou, Mancitumiki, Mitha tendu, Temru, Tendu, Timbutani, Tindu, Tindura, Tumal, Tumala, Tumari, Tumbi, Tumiki, Tumki, Tumri

Synonyms

Diospyros tomentosa Roxb.; NB Confused with Diospyros exsculpta Beddome a synonym of Diospyros melanoxylon.