Texas persimmon
Diospyros texana

Family: Ebenaceae

What it is like

A deciduous shrub or tree. It grows 8-12 m high. The trunk is short. It is 30 cm across. The crown is narrow. The leaves are rounded or oblong and leathery. They are 2-4 cm long by 10-19 mm wide. They are rounded or have a notch at the tip and taper to the base. They are widest above the middle. They are dull green above and paler underneath. The flowers are white and fragrant. They are bell shaped and 6 mm long and wide. Male and female flowers are on separate trees. There are 1-3 male flowers together and female flowers occur singly. The fruit are cherry-like and yellow to red or black. They are 19 mm wide and have a black, juicy, sweet pulp. There are 3-8 seeds.

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

Where it is found

It grows in dry rocky uplands. In Texas it can grow to 1220 m altitude. It is frost hardy. It can tolerate drought and pollution. It can grow on a range of soils. It can tolerate a range of pH values from acidic to alkaline. It suits hardiness zones 7-9.

Countries/locations it is found in

Central America, Mexico, North America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

A slow growing tree.

Its other names

Local names

Black persimmon, Chapote prieto, Mexican persimmon

Synonyms

Brayodendron texanum (Scheele) Small; Diospyros cuneifolia Hiern; Diospyros mexicana Scheele ex Hiern;