Family: Ebenaceae

This large genus is distributed through widely differing parts of the world. Various species are native to Asia, Africa, Madagascar and America. These deciduous or evergreen trees and shrubs contain several species which produce edible fruit, others which are grown for their orna­mental value, and some, notably D. ebenum (ebony), which are cultivated for their timber. The leaves are alternate, simple and entire, and the flowers are not particularly significant. Many of these trees and shrubs have spectacu­lar autumn foliage.

Species

D. digyna, black sapote, zone 10, from Mexico and Central America, is a tropical ever-green which may grow 18-20 m (60-65 ft) in its habitat, but much smaller cultivated. The edible fruits, 8-10 cm (3-4 in) in diameter, almost black when ripe, contain soft brown flesh reputed to taste like chocolate pudding.

D. ebenum, ebony, zone 10, produces the beau­tiful timber of the common name. It is a very large tree from India and Sri Lanka, but is rarely cultivated in the UK outside botanical gardens. New growth flushes on this evergreen are bright pink.

D. kaki, persimmon, zone 8, from China, is a deciduous tree, 6-12 m (20-40 ft) tall, with glossy, green, oval leaves, downy on the undersides, to 20 cm (8 in) long, and yel­lowish white flowers. The orange-coloured, smooth-skinned edible fruit is variable in shape, growing to 8 cm (3 in) in diameter, with soft, orange flesh and a persistent calyx. Many cultivars are available.

D. virginiana, known as persimmon or possumwood in its native United States, zone 4, grows to about 20 m (65 ft) in its habitat, but when cultivated only to 10 m (33 ft). The edible fruit is yellow or orange when ripe and the timber is used com­mercially.

Cultivation

Hardy species need a sheltered spot in full sun with well-drained, fertile soil. The persimmon can be grown as an espalier on a warm wall. Plant male and female plants for maximum fruit production, although lone females will produce some fruit. Tender species are grown in a cool to intermediate greenhouse in pots of soil-based potting compost.

Climate

There are species suited to various cli­matic zones.