Japanese persimmon Diospyros kaki (F)
ABOUT
Diospyros kaki (F) is a deciduous tree that typically grows up to 20-30 feet tall. Its bark is dark gray to black and is broken into small squares.
The leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped with a glossy dark green color, turning yellow or red in the fall.
The tree blooms in late spring with small, bell-shaped, yellow-green flowers.
The fruit of the persimmon tree is a large, round or flattened berry-like fruit, varying in color from light yellow to deep orange-red. When ripe, the fruit is sweet and juicy with a texture similar to that of a tomato.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Ebenaceae
Synonyms
Persimmon, Chinese date plum, Chinese persimmon, Kaki, Oriental persimmon, Sharon fruit, Kaki persimmon
Common names
Diospyros chinensis, Diospyros kaki
ToxicityTo humans
Diospyros kaki is not toxic to humans.
The fruit is actually a popular food source in many cultures and is consumed when it is fully ripe. However, the unripe fruit can cause stomach discomfort and may have astringent properties due to its high tannin content. It is important to only consume fully ripe persimmons to avoid any potential negative effects.To pets
Diospyros kaki is not known to be especially toxic to animals. However, it is known to be mildly toxic to birds, as consumption of the fruits can cause irritation in their digestive tract and may cause digestive issues if ingested in large amounts.
In addition, the leaves and stems of the plant may be sweet, but they may also cause digestive problems to animals if ingested.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green; varied in fall
Flower color
Yellow
Height
Up to 30 feet
Plant type
Tree
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
Asia
Benefits
General BenefitsRich in Nutrients: The fruit of Diospyros kaki contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants which can benefit to overall health.
Antioxidant Properties: Diospyros kaki has a high concentration of potent antioxidant compounds, including flavonoids and polyphenols, which can help reduce the risk of various chronic diseases, such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Cancer Prevention: The high presence of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins in Diospyros kaki can help in the prevention of certain cancers, such as ovarian cancer and liver cancer.
Cardiovascular Health: Regular consumption of Diospyros kaki can help lower cholesterol levels and potentially reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Bone Health: Diospyros kaki can help maintain healthy bones, teeth, and muscles due to the presence of the essential minerals calcium and magnesium.
Blood Sugar Regulation: Fibre and other compounds found in Diospyros kaki can benefit in regulating blood sugar levels and help control diabetes.
Digestive Health: The fibre in Diospyros kaki can help in regulating the digestive system, aiding in the prevention of constipation, cramps and irregular bowel movements, as well as other digestive disorders.
Immunity Booster: Diospyros kaki is a great source of vitamin C, which can help to boost the immune system and help fight off colds and other illnesses.
Medical PropertiesAnalgesic: Diospyros kaki has analgesic properties which helps to relieve pain.
Antimicrobial: Diospyros kaki has antimicrobial properties which helps to protect against bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
Anti-inflammatory: Diospyros kaki has anti-inflammatory properties which helps reduce inflammation.
Antioxidant: Diospyros kaki has antioxidant properties which helps to fight free radicals and reduce oxidative damages.
Hypotensive: Diospyros kaki has hypotensive properties which helps to reduce blood pressure.
Diuretic: Diospyros kaki has diuretic properties which helps to increase the production of urine.
Immunostimulatory: Diospyros kaki has immunostimulatory properties which helps to stimulate the immune system.
Hepatoprotective: Diospyros kaki has hepatoprotective properties which helps to protect the liver from damaging toxins.
Nervine: Diospyros kaki has nervine properties which helps to strengthen the nervous system.
Air-purifying QualitiesThe Diospyros kaki plant has been found to have natural air purifying qualities due to its ability to absorb volatile organic compounds, including formaldehyde and benzene, from the air. Additionally, the essential oils released by Diospyros kaki plants help to reduce airborne bacteria and viruses, and their fragrant aroma has been known to contribute to an overall calming and relaxing atmosphere.
Other UsesFertilizer: The large amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in the Diospyros kaki makes for a great fertilizer for a variety of plants.
Soil Enhancer: The deep roots of Diospyros kaki plant can help to aerate the soil and improve the fertility.
Cooking: The fruit of the Diospyros kaki can be used to make jams and jellies. The leaves can be used as a wrapping to cook fish dishes.
Insect Repellant: The fragrant odor of the Diospyros kaki can help to repel insects naturally.
Mulch: The fallen leaves of the Diospyros kaki can be used as mulch to preserve moisture in the soil and prevent weeds from growing.
Animal Feed: The unripe fruit of the Diospyros kaki plant can be used as a source of food for small animals and livestock.
Wood: The Diospyros kaki tree can be cut down and used for firewood. The bark and wood can also be used to make small furniture pieces, toys, and drums.
Dye: The Diospyros kaki can be used as a natural dye for fabrics and textiles. The leaves, bark, and fruit can also be used for dyeing.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiIn Feng Shui, the Diospyros kaki plant is associated with the Wood element, which is believed to provide energy, stability and new growth.
The energetic properties of this plant are used to bring balance and calm to a space as well as help with concentration. It is used to define boundaries and exude a grounded energy within a specific room or space.
According to Feng Shui, you can place this plant near the entrance of your home or office to bring the right amount of energy and balance. Additionally, you can place it in the north, east and southeast regions of your home.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityVIRGO
Diospyros kaki best fits the sign of Virgo. This is due to the fact that Virgo is an Earth sign and the Diospyros kaki is a species of tree native to the warm temperate regions of Asia. Virgos are known for their logical, analytical, and detail-oriented thinking, which is reflective of the hard-working efforts needed to cultivate and care for these trees.
Plant SymbolismDiospyros kaki is a symbolic representation of strength and resilience. Despite its delicate and seemingly fragile appearance, it has the capacity to withstand a wide range of environmental conditions, including drought and intense cold.
The fruit of this tree, when ripe, features a deep orange hue that signifies the warmth, vitality and prosperity associated with the sun.
In East Asia, the Persimmon is an ancient and highly popular symbol of good health and long life. It is believed to provide protection from misfortune and bring good luck when consumed.
In China, persimmons are often given as a New Year's gift with the hopes of conveying blessings of peace and harmony in the upcoming year.
WaterWhen caring for a Diospyros kaki, it is important to provide plenty of water. The plant should be watered thoroughly once a week but not to the point of waterlogging. The soil should be allowed to dry out slightly between waterings.
If the plant is in a dry, sunny place, it may need to be watered more often. The amount of water the plant needs depends on the size of the pot, soil type, and the climate. A good rule of thumb is to water enough so that the entire root ball is evenly moist, but not so much that the soil is soggy or oversaturated.
LightThe best light conditions for Diospyros kaki are full sun to partial shade. That means the plant should be placed in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight every day. If full sun is not possible, the plant should be placed in a bright spot with indirect or filtered sunlight.
TemperatureFor Diospyros kaki the best lighting conditions are full sun in summer 80-90°F and partial sun in winter 50-60°F.
PruningDiospyros kaki should be pruned in late winter or early spring, before the buds start to swell. Pruning should be done with sharp, clean pruning shears in order to avoid tearing the bark or stems. Branches that cross or rub against each other, dead, diseased and damaged wood should be removed. The branches can also be thinned slightly to increase air circulation and reduce the risk of diseases. The severity of pruning depends on the size and shape desired, however, no more than one third of the total tree should be removed each season.
SoilCreating the perfect soil mix for Diospyros kaki (F) requires mixing equal parts of loam, peat moss, and bark (not wood chips). This mixture should then be adjusted to provide a soil pH around 6.0.
Humidity & MistingThe best humidity level for Diospyros kaki is to keep it in relative humidity of 70-75%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Not growing
Outdoor
All year round
Hardiness zone
8 - 12 USDA
Life cycleDiospyros kaki has an upright growth habit with a round or oval-shaped canopy.
In its first year, the persimmon tree typically produces a few leaves and only grows a few feet tall. By the second year, the tree grows to about 6-8 feet tall and produces more leaves.
From the third year onwards, the persimmon tree begins to produce flowers in the spring. The flowers are small and yellowish-green in color, and they develop into fruits that mature in the fall. The fruit is a berry-shaped, non-climacteric fruit that varies in size, shape, and color depending on the cultivar.
Persimmon fruits are typically astringent when they are unripe, but they become sweet and juicy when they are fully ripe. The fruit is ready for harvest in the fall, and the tree can continue to produce fruit for up to 50 years or more.
As the tree ages, it may develop a rough, scaly bark and can become susceptible to various pests and diseases. However, with proper care and maintenance, a persimmon tree can live a long and productive life, providing delicious fruit for many years.
PropogationPropogation time
All year round
Seeds:
The optimal time for sowing Diospyros kaki seeds is between February and April. Sow the seeds in a pot filled with moistened potting mix and keep warm at about 65°F. Cover the pot with plastic wrap and place it in a location with bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil moist by watering regularly.
Cutting:
The best time to take cuttings is during the summer months — May to August — when the shoots are actively growing. Cut pieces measuring 3–6 inches long, making sure they have at least 2–3 leaves. Allowing the cuts to scab over slightly will help the cutting to produce roots faster. Fill a container with a well-draining potting mix. Insert the cuttiings into the soil, making sure the leaves don't touch the soil. Cover the container with plastic wrap and place it in a location that gets bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil warm — about 65°F — and watered regularly.
Layering:
Layering can be done during the dormant season — October to April — when the weather is cool and humid. To layer, choose a small branch that has at least one leaf node. Use a sharp knife to make a shallow cut along the length of the branch, just deep enough to remark the bark without cutting through it. Gently scratch the bark underneath the cut and spread hormone rooting powder over the area. Secure the branch to a pot with moistened potting mix and cover the pot with a plastic bag. Place the pot in a warm, partially shaded location and keep the soil moist.
Grafting:
The optimal time for grafting Diospyros kaki trees is between late winter and early spring when the buds are beginning to swell. To graft, use a sharp knife to gently cut off the top of the rootstock and make a vertical cut about 3–4 inches long at the top. Make sure the cuts are smooth and even. The scion should be about the same width as the rootstock. Make a vertical cut on the scion and slide it onto the rootstock. Secure the scion in place with tape or grafting clips. Cover the graft with a plastic bag and place in a warm, partially shaded
PestsSpider mite, Thrips, Scale insects, Aphid
DiseasesVerticillium wilt, Anthracnose, Root Rot, Canker, Honey fungus
