Diospyros cathayensis Seeds | Chinese Persimmon
LATIN NAME: Diospyros cathayensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Persimmon
Plant Profile
Diospyros cathayensis, commonly known as Chinese Persimmon, is a tree in the ebony family, native to south and western China. Fruits hang well on tree, and they sweeten after the frost. It likes sun, and moist, well-drained soil. For the gardener, the sum of these traits is a plant that is easy to live with.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Diospyros cathayensis, a representative of the ebony family with clear practical value. In ebony family, ornamental persimmons have a recognised place in studies of fruiting trees, and cathayensis species appears in research on fruit chemistry and autumn display. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
Gardeners value Chinese Persimmon for its ornamental character, and the plant also fits naturally into herb, vegetable and cutting gardens. In warm garden, the Chinese persimmon globes branches with orange fruits. Fruits serve fresh eating, drying and traditional preparations, they feed birds through autumn, and wood serves fine wares. It grows well in moist, well-drained, sunny ground and stands the cold. Beyond the establishment year, its needs are simple and few.
Persimmons are carotenoid-rich fruit, and their tannins made unripe fruit a traditional astringent; ebony relatives yield the world’s blackest cabinet wood.
Growing from Seed
Starting Chinese Persimmon from seed is simple and satisfying. Level a tray of loose seed compost, sow evenly, cover to about the seed’s own depth, and keep it moist in full light. The seed responds well to a cool, moist stratification period, which helps it break dormancy evenly. Shift the seedlings into small pots as soon as they can be handled, and give them bright light until planting-out time.
Our Take
It comes from south and western china, which is the best clue to the conditions it enjoys in cultivation. A cool, moist period before sowing prepares the seed well; care after that is routine.
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