South African star apple, South African persimmon
Diospyros pubescens

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree. It grows up to 10 m high. It has several stems. The bark is dark and peels off in long narrow strips. The leaves are narrowly oval. They are stiff and thickly leathery. They are small and 3.5 cm long by 0.5 cm wide. The leaves are felted underneath. The flowers are creamy white to pink. They hang down. There are 4 varieties. The fruit are round and velvety. They turn red to black as they ripen.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in gravelly or stony soil. It grows along the coast. It grows in areas with an annual rainfall between 150-200 mm. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Lesotho, North America, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, USA

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

The berries can be picked green and ripened after harvest.

Its other names

Local names

Jakkalsbosberry, Kritikom

Synonyms

Brachycheila pubescens (Pers.) Harv. ex Eckl. & Zeyh.; Diospyros ambigua Vent.; Diospyros austroafricana De Winter [Illegitimate]; Diospyros hirsuta (L.) Desf. [Illegitimate]; Diospyros pubescens var. pubescens; Diplonema ambigua (Vent.) [Illegitimate]; Royena ambigua Vent. [Illegitimate]; Royena angustifolia Willd. [Illegitimate]; Royena cuneata Poir.; Royena hirsuta L.;