Diospyros rhombifolia Seeds | Diamond-leaf Persimmon
LATIN NAME: Diospyros rhombifolia
COMMON NAME: Diamond-Leaf Persimmon, Princess Persimmon
Plant Profile
Known to gardeners as Diamond-Leaf Persimmon, Diospyros rhombifolia is a handsome tree in the ebony family, native to southeast China. Diamond-leaf persimmon is a neat and handsome tree of the Chinese gardens, and its small, glossy leaves and its attractive, orange fruits have made it a treasure of ornamental garden and bonsai bench. It is a species of ebony family, native to southeast China, and it is widely cultivated as an ornamental for its small leaves and its attractive orange fruit, while it is a favourite of bonsai bench. At maturity it stands about Eight metres. It is hard to name another plant that gives this much for this little trouble.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Diospyros rhombifolia ranges from the botany of the ebony family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Species has also been studied in fruit science, since it is a relative of persimmon, and its growth and its fruiting have been examined. For practical purposes the message is encouraging: generations of cultivation have produced plants of predictable, well-mannered garden character.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Diamond-Leaf Persimmon earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Ecologically, diamond-leaf persimmon is a generous tree of autumn garden. Its small flowers feed bees and insects, and its small, orange fruits feed birds and small animals, while it is a neat presence in gardens and woodlands of southeast China. For a grower, diamond-leaf persimmon is an easy and rewarding tree, and for a gardener it brings small, glossy leaves and a display of orange fruits. After the first season it asks for very little beyond a place that suits it.
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 Diamond-Leaf Persimmon from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow evenly over the surface and cover lightly into a loose, well-drained seed compost, water in gently, and keep the sowing in bright light with steady moisture. Prick the seedlings out once they are large enough to handle, grow them on in bright light, and plant out when conditions allow.
Our Take
Its role in herbal practice, noted above, adds depth to an already garden-worthy plant. Diamond-Leaf Persimmon, Princess Persimmon settles in quickly once it finds its footing. Keep the sowing evenly moist at the start — that is the one real requirement.
Related Reading
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