Diospyros kaki aka Persimmon

Diospyros kaki, also known as the Oriental persimmon, Chinese persimmon, Japanese persimmon, or kaki persimmon, is the most widely cultivated species of the Diospyros genus. This deciduous tree has oval, glossy, dark green leaves that can grow up to 20cm long. In autumn, these leaves transform into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and purple. During the summer, small bell-shaped flowers of pale yellow color appear, followed by edible fruit on female trees. The kaki tree resembles an apple tree and can reach a height of up to 10 meters. Its leaves are lanceolate, stiff, and medium to dark green. The trees bloom from May to June, with some producing both male and female flowers. The kaki fruit ripens in October and November, after most of the leaves have fallen. The fruit is sweet, slightly tangy, and has a soft to occasionally fibrous texture. Diospyros kaki has a long history of cultivation, dating back over 2000 years in China. It was introduced to Japan in the 7th century, Korea in the 14th century, California and southern Europe in the 19th century, and Brazil in the 1890s. There are various cultivars of Diospyros kaki, including Diospyros kaki var. sylvestris Makino.