Persimmon, Japanese persimmon, Kaki
Diospyros kaki

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A tree up to 12 m high which loses its leaves each year. The branches tend to hang over and they have a dense covering of leaves. Leaves are long and pointed (10 x 6 cm). The leaves are dark green and shiny on top and lighter under. Young leaves are pale green and old leaves turn yellow or red before they fall. Male and female flowers are normally on separate tree. Therefore pollinator trees often help. Sometimes male and female flowers occur on the same tree. Fruit are 7 cm across, with flattened ends and orange with a thin skin. It can have a few large seeds inside or be seedless. Pollination and seeding influence flavour and fruit ripeness. There are many varieties. Fuya cultivated varieties are eaten when firm and Hachiya cultivated varieties when very ripe.

There are about 485 species of Diospyros mostly in the tropics. It is a polyploid. It is the national fruit of Japan. Fruit are high in folates 51μg/100.

Where it is found

It suits cooler Mediterranean type climates. In the tropics it needs to grow in highland areas with a distinctly seasonal climate. Dormant trees can tolerate freezing temperatures. They have only a short (100 hours) chilling requirement. It needs 890 hours between 8-12°C during the dormant period. They will not tolerate acid soils. A pH of 6.5 to 7.5 is preferred. They can stand some waterlogging. It does best in well drained soils. Branches tend to be brittle and damaged by strong winds. In Nepal it grows to about 1200 m altitude. In Indonesia it grows above 1,000 m above sea level. In Yunnan in China it grows between 600-1800 m above sea level. It grows in secondary forest. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Brazil, Britain, Cambodia, Caucasus, Central Asia, China (country/location of origin), Colombia, Cook Islands, Cuba, East Africa, Egypt, Europe, France, Georgia, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan (country/location of origin), Korea, Laos, Madagascar, Malaysia, Manchuria, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Myanmar, Nepal, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Pakistan, Palestine, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, South America, Spain, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tasmania, Thailand, Turkey, Türkiye, USA, Vietnam, West Indies

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw or can be cooked. It needs to be fully ripe and soft. Freezing fruit overnight can improve sweetness. They are used in pies, puddings, cakes, bread, ice cream and other desserts. Fruit can be stored frozen. Fruit are used for wine and vinegar. The leaves are used to improve the flavour of pickled radishes. Roasted seeds are served as a coffee substitute.

This tree has been introduced and tried in a few highland areas of Papua New Guinea but so far has not grown or fruited well. It is a cultivated fruit tree.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - tea, seeds - coffee

How it is grown

They are grown from seeds. Seeds often germinate poorly. Trees grow slowly. Budded or grafted trees can be used. They can be grown by cuttings and air-layering. Trees can be pruned and shaped either along a wall or as a hedge. Pruning when trees are young to develop a strong framework of branches is important. Adequate moisture is needed during the year. Trees can grow and produce with minimal fertiliser. Trees often need cross pollination from another tree.

Fruiting is seasonal. Often trees bear large crops one year and small ones the next year. This can be evened out by thinning out some of the fruit is the high yielding years. Fruit should be cut from the branches cutting the stalk near the fruit. Fruit are often ripened by putting near other ripening fruit like banana. Fruit must be handled carefully to avoid bruising. Fruit can be stored in a refrigerator for one month. Higher yields are obtained if pollination occurs. Trees can live for 60-80 years. Fruit mature after about 200 days.

Its other names

Local names

Abe, Bonnaga, Buah kaki, Buah samak, Cachi, Caqui, Dieng-iong, Gamnamu, Ganuong, Halawa bet, Halwa tendu, Hpun-mang sabyin, Kaki americano, Kakinoki, Kasemek, Kesemak, Kesemek, Khradashi, Komi, Mezhajiedi, Oriental persimmon, Phlap chin, Sa-nar-ni, Shi tree, Shishu, Soh-tang-jong, Sur amioke, Tae, Taw-te, Tayok-te, Te, Tel, Tendu pat, Thei manta, Theipan, Toor amluk, Trabzon hurmasi, Tunloab chen, Yaixihua, Ziar amlok

Synonyms

Diospyros amara Perrier; Diospyros argyi H. Lev.; Diospyros bertii Andre; Diospyros chinensis Blume [Invalid]; Diospyros costata Carriere; Diospyros kaki var. silvestris Makino; and others