Diospyros virginiana aka Persimmon

Diospyros virginiana, also known as the American persimmon, common persimmon, eastern persimmon, simmon, possumwood, possum apples, or sugar plum, is a persimmon species native to the eastern United States, ranging from southern Connecticut to Florida, and west to Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Iowa. The tree is typically 30 to 80 feet (9 to 24 m) in height, with a short, slender trunk and spreading branches that form a broad or narrow, round-topped canopy. It grows in well-drained soil and has been cultivated for its fruit and wood since prehistoric times by Native Americans. The fragrant flowers of Diospyros virginiana bloom in summer and are pollinated by insects and wind. The species is typically dioecious, meaning both male and female plants are needed to obtain fruit, but most cultivars are parthenocarpic, setting seedless fruit without pollination. Fruiting typically begins when the tree is about 6 years old. The fruit of Diospyros virginiana is round or oval and usually orange-yellow, sometimes bluish, and from 2 to 6 cm (3⁄4 to 2 1⁄4 in) in diameter. It is commonly referred to as a persimmon and is a popular ingredient in desserts and cuisine in the U.S. South and Midwest. Commercial varieties include Early Golden, John Rick, Miller, Woolbright, and Ennis, a seedless variety. 'Morris Burton' is a small to medium-sized variety that is partially self-fertile and produces some male flowers. The orange-red fruits have excellent flavor and are considered one of the best native persimmons. In terms of morphology, the plant has oval entire leaves and unisexual flowers on short stalks. In the male flowers, the stamens are sixteen in number and arranged in pairs; the female flowers are solitary, with traces of stamens, and a smooth ovary with one ovule in each of the eight cells. The ovary is surmounted by four styles, which are hairy at the base. The roots are thick, fleshy, and stoloniferous, and the species has a shrubby growth form.