Family: Ebenaceae
Author: Hochst. ex A.DC.
Bibliography: A.P.de Candolle, Prodr. 8: 672 (1844)
Year: 1844
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Diospyros
Vegetable: False
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen.
Description
Ebony diospyros, known scientifically as Diospyros mespiliformis, is a noteworthy species within the Ebenaceae family, first described by Hochstetter and later elaborated by A.P. de Candolle in his prolific work, Prodromus (1844). This tree, celebrated for its robust and resilient nature, finds its natural habitat spread across tropical and southern Africa, extending its roots into parts of the Arabian Peninsula.
The Ebony diospyros is renowned for its lustrous, dark heartwood which holds significant economic value. This heartwood, often a deep dark brown to nearly black, is highly sought after for furniture and ornamental works due to its fine grain and appealing aesthetic. The species also bears edible fruits, which are a crucial food source for both wildlife and humans. The fruits are typically sweet when fully ripe, providing a nutritious component to local diets, and are routinely gathered by communities in its native range.
Ecologically, Diospyros mespiliformis plays an essential role within its environment. The tree can be found thriving in a variety of settings, from riverine forests and woodland savannas to rocky hillsides. It’s particularly resilient to the diverse and sometimes harsh climates of the tropics and southern Africa, demonstrating an impressive adaptation to its surroundings. The foliage provides critical shelter and sustenance for numerous animal species, contributing significantly to the biodiversity of its ecosystem.
The tree also possesses notable cultural and medicinal significance among indigenous populations. Various parts of the tree are utilized in traditional medicine, with folklore attributing to it numerous health benefits. The bark, for instance, is known for its antimicrobial properties and is used in treating a variety of ailments, while the leaves and roots are also employed in local medicine practices.
Diospyros mespiliformis symbolizes both natural beauty and practical utility. Its presence in the regions it inhabits underscores a balance between nature’s aesthetic elegance and its pragmatic gifts, making it a treasured species among the Ebenaceae family.
Common Names
Eng: ebony diospyros, african ebony, bush matome, hill matome, red teak
Afr: jakkalsbessie
Swa: mgiriti
Ven: musuma
Tso: ntoma
Zul: umtoma
En: Ebony diospyros, Kalum, West African Ebony, African Ebony, Bush Matome, Hill Matome, Red Teak, Jackalberry
Af: Jakkalsbessie
Ar: ظلامة (شجرة)
Bm: Sunzun, Susu
Nl: Jakhalsbes
Fi: Sansibarineebenpuu
Fr: Ebenier de l’Quest Africain, Kaki du brousse
Ff: Nelberi
Ha: Kanya
Fa: آبنوس آفریقایی
Ru: Хурма мушмуловидная
Sw: Mgiriti
Ts: Ntoma
Ve: Musuma
Wo: Alom
Yo: Igi dúdú
Zu: UmToma
Synonyms
- Diospyros bicolor (Klotzsch)
- Diospyros sabiensis (Hiern)
- Diospyros corylicarpa (Gürke)
- Diospyros holtzii (Gürke)
- Diospyros kilimandscharica (Gürke)
- Diospyros senegalensis (Perrier ex A.DC.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Caprivi Strip (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Bark
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 30, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Fruit
Taken May 1, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken May 20, 2020 by Nascimento Ronaldo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 29, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Jul 12, 2020 by ami ra (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 30, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 25, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Dec 4, 2022 by prasantahembram (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Apr 26, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Apr 28, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Taken Aug 11, 2022 by Zubiete M. Dolores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 5, 2019 by Guillaume Colomb (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 27, 2016 by Manie Maree (©)
Other
Taken Sep 16, 2020 by Heras Daniel (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4071204)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322702-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Diospyros mespiliformis Hochst. ex A.DC.)