Diospyros kaki aka Persimmon

Taxonomy

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.

Common names

Persimmon, Japanese Persimmon

How to care for Persimmon

Difficulty

Caring for Persimmon is a breeze, as it is highly adaptable and forgiving to minor neglect.

Water

Persimmon should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Persimmon loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Persimmon prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Persimmon is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.

Region of origin

Persimmon’s native range is E. Asia - China, Japan.


More info:
Wikipedia