Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki, Suppl. Pl.: 439 (1782))

Family: Ebenaceae

Author: L.f.

Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 439 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Diospyros

Vegetable: False

Observations: Assam to C. & S. China and Vietnam, Taiwan

Description

The Japanese persimmon, also known scientifically as Diospyros kaki, is a renowned species belonging to the Ebenaceae family. Initially cataloged in 1782, this fruit-bearing tree has since been noted for its significant horticultural and cultural value.

Originating from various regions in Asia, the Japanese persimmon is indigenous to areas stretching from Assam through Central and Southern China and Vietnam, extending out to Taiwan. Due to its adaptability and beneficial fruit, it has been cultivated widely beyond its native habitats.

This deciduous tree is admired for its beautiful, glossy green leaves that turn to vibrant hues of red and orange in the autumn, providing a striking visual display. The petals are typically creamy white or light yellow, giving way to the real treasure of the tree — its fruit.

Diospyros kaki produces large, fiery orange fruits that are not only visually appealing but also packed with nutritional benefits. These delectable fruits are low in fat yet high in vitamins A and C, making them a healthy choice for consumption. The flavor of Japanese persimmons can range from sweet to mildly tart, depending on the variety and stage of ripeness, with the commonly cultivated varieties being either astringent or non-astringent.

Japanese persimmon trees are relatively low maintenance and can thrive in a variety of soil types, although they prefer fertile, well-drained soil. They are best suited to temperate climates, thriving with adequate sunshine and moderate watering. When well-cared for, these trees can yield an abundant harvest that can be enjoyed fresh, dried, or incorporated into various culinary dishes.

Beyond their culinary applications, Japanese persimmons also hold cultural significance in their native regions, often appearing in traditional art and literature as symbols of transformation, prosperity, and good fortune.

In conclusion, the Japanese persimmon, Diospyros kaki, is a plant of considerable worth, both for its beauty and its bountiful fruit. Its presence across Asian landscapes from Assam to Taiwan speaks to its enduring appeal and versatility, making it a treasured species within the family of Ebenaceae.

Common Names

Eng: japanese persimmon, persimmon
Fra: kaki, plaqueminier
Tur: trabzon hurmasi
Por: caqui, caqui-do-japão, caquieiro, caquizeiro, kaki
Nob: kakiplomme, kaki, persimon
Nno: kakiplomme, kaki, persimon
En: Japanese persimmon, Persimmon, Chinese Persimmon, Japanese date Plum
Ca: Caquier
Nl: Chinese Persimoen, Kaki
Fr: Kaki, Plaqueminier, Figuier caque, Plaqueminier kaki, Plaqueminier du Japon
De: Kaki Dattelpflaume, Kakifruchtbaum, Kakipflaume
It: Caco, Kaki franco, Loto del Giappone
Nb: Kakiplomme, Kaki, Persimon
Nn: Kakiplomme, Kaki, Persimon
Pt: Caqui, Caqui-do-japão, Caquieiro, Caquizeiro, Kaki
Es: Caqui de China
Tr: Trabzon Hurmasi

Synonyms

• Diospyros sinensis (Naudin)
• Diospyros kaki var. costata ((Carrière) André)
• Diospyros kaki var. sahuti (André)
• Diospyros kaki var. elliptica (André)
• Diospyros amara (Perr.)
• Diospyros trichocarpa (R.H.Miao)
• Diospyros kaki var. silvestris (Makino)
• Diospyros costata (Carrière)
• Diospyros roxburghii (Carrière)
• Diospyros wieseneri (Carrière)
• Diospyros kaempferi (Naudin)
• Diospyros lycopersicon (Carrière)
• Diospyros chinensis (Blume)
• Diospyros schi-tse (Bunge)
• Diospyros kaki var. macrantha (Hand.-Mazz.)
• Diospyros kaki var. aurantium (André)
• Diospyros sphenophylla (Hiern)
• Diospyros argyi (H.Lév.)
• Diospyros kaki var. domestica (Makino)
• Embryopteris kaki ((Thunb.) G.Don)
• Diospyros mazelii (Carrière)
• Diospyros bertii (André)
• Diospyros kaki var. mazelii ((Carrière) Mouill.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Hainan (native)
• Taiwan (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Korea (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Transcaucasus (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.

Fruit

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 10, 2021 by James Robinson Tillett (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2022 by nathalie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 18, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by jerome marlier (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 7, 2021 by Joseph Dupont (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 15, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Sep 28, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Antoine AFFOUARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 26, 2020 by G. C. (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2020 by Jacques Zuber (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by Manuëlle (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken May 18, 2017 by Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 13, 2021 by Gianni Del Bufalo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 4, 2019 by Dieter Wagner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 13, 2017 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 29, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2018 by 1 (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Jun 14, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Pierre Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 31, 2014 by Tela Botanica − simon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 29, 2020 by llff (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 29, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 24, 2022 by Nathalie Potel (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032984)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322553-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Diospyros kaki L.f.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth