Date Plum Persimmon seeds Diospyros lotus
The Date Plum Persimmon leaves are wide, oval, glossy dark green with a pointed tip which grow up to 4-5 inches in length and are frost tender.It is dioecious with male and female flowers growing on different trees. Male flowers are produced on shoots in groups of up to three, while the female flowers are solitary and hang down in rows, both of which bloom in July. At least both a male and female plant will be required to get seeds. However, the female tree can produce seedless fruits in the absence of a pollinator. The Date Plum Persimmon is a close relative to the persimmon. It is a smaller fruit to about 3/4 inches wide. It bears a globose yellow fruit that turns purple-brown when fully ripe. Like the persimmon, the Date Plum Persimmon loses its astringency when fully ripe. The flesh is then very soft and rich in flavor. The fruit is consumed raw, cooked or dried in which case they have a date like flavor, hence the name date plum. They are also used in making of dried fruit leathers, jams and jellies, sweets, ice-cream and sweet sauces. The fruit pulp freezes well and It can be used to make a brandy.
The date plum tree (Diospyros lotus) was known to the ancient Greeks as 'the fruit of the gods' for its delicious fruit, which have a taste that resembles both plums and dates. Mentioned in Homer's epic poem the Odyssey, it was so delectable that those who ate it forgot about going home and wanted only to eat lotus fruit with the lotus-eaters.
As a member of the family Ebenaceae, the date plum has certain traits in common with the ebony tree (Diospyros ebenum), which is well known for its dark wood. Although the date plum has dark pink or even blackish bark, its wood is not as black or dense as true ebony, which is one of the few timbers that sinks in water. Its fine grain means that it polishes well and as a result is used extensively in musical instruments, especially as piano keys and also for making chess pieces.
Other Names: Date Plum Persimmon
Growth rate: Medium
Plant Type: Deciduous fruiting tree
Family: Ebenaceae
Native Range: Middle East and South Asia
Height: 20 to 30 feet
Spread: 20 to 30 feet
Shape: Round; upright
Bloom Time: July
Bloom Color: yellow-green
Flower/Fruit: Non showy small fragrant flowers followed by small (3/4 inch) yellow edible fruit that turns purple-brown when fully ripe.
Sun: Full Sun
Fall Color: Golden
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Water: Medium
Maintenance: Low
Culture: Promptly remove root suckers unless naturalized effect is desired. Once established they need minimal care and require little or no pruning. Fertilize three times a year as you would for other fruiting trees.
Uses: May be pruned as a hedge, screen. Used as Bonsai. Date Plum persimmons make attractive shade trees with the added bonus of delicious fruit. They can be espaliered or used as specimen trees in mixed plantings, where their colorful fall foliage and fruits will be emphasized against an evergreen backdrop.
