Diospyros quaesita

Diospyros quaesita is a large tree from Sri Lanka. It keeps its leaves all year. People call it calamander and kalu mediriya. It belongs to Ebenaceae, the ebony family. Kew places its native range in southwestern Sri Lanka. It grows in lowland wet evergreen forest and dry forest. Accounts say it is scarce in these habitats. Kew lists a tropical climate with a dry season.

Plants For A Future lists its height as 98 feet (30 metres). It gives a spread of 65 feet (20 metres). The tree grows at a slow rate. Plans for its use in landscapes must allow for this size. The accounts give no smaller size range for gardens. They give no bark, leaf, flower, or fruit details for this species. Claims about other ebony species cannot fill these gaps.

Plants For A Future says it needs a site without shade. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils. Its listed pH range runs from mildly acid to mildly alkaline. The same source says it prefers dry or moist soil. It lists USDA hardiness zones 10–12. Its growing notes suggest pairing it with crops that grow faster. These include cardamom, fishtail palm, and rattan. This pairs a slow timber crop with other products. The evidence gives no schedule for watering or method for pruning.

Its main recorded use is timber with a clear pattern. The hard wood has a grey-brown base with black bands. The bands range from thin lines to broad stripes. Makers use it for fine cabinets and other furniture. They also make carvings and musical instruments from it. Useful Tropical Plants reports trade across borders in this ebony. The heartwood has a recorded use as medicine for wounds. This record does not prove that such treatment is safe. Neither source lists a use as food. Both state that no hazards are known. This does not prove it is safe to eat.

Useful Tropical Plants cites the 2013 IUCN assessment. It lists the species as Vulnerable. Heavy cutting for timber and poor regrowth threaten the species. Its slow growth gives context to its use for timber. The sources name no pests or diseases for this species. Plants For A Future does not flag a weed risk. Its recorded value centres on timber and local use as medicine.