Lotus persimmon (Diospyros lotus, Sp. Pl.: 1057 (1753))

Family: Ebenaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 1057 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Diospyros

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: NE. & SC. Türkiye to Korea

Description

Lotus persimmon, known scientifically as Diospyros lotus, is a captivating species belonging to the Ebenaceae family. First described in the authoritative botanical work “Species Plantarum” by Carl Linnaeus in 1753, this remarkable plant has since been a subject of interest for botanists and horticulturists alike.

This plant is native to an expansive geographical range, stretching from northeastern and south-central regions of Türkiye all the way to Korea. Its adaptability to diverse climatic conditions makes it a significant species in these regions. The tree is notable for its hardiness and ability to thrive in various environments, making it a versatile addition to both natural landscapes and cultivated gardens.

Diospyros lotus showcases a unique beauty through its foliage and fruit. The leaves are lush and green, providing dense coverage that can offer shade and aesthetic appeal in garden settings. One of its most striking features is its fruit, which are small, globular, and typically a deep, rich color when mature. These fruits are not only attractive but are also edible, offering a sweet flavor that is enjoyed in various culinary traditions.

Moreover, the Lotus persimmon holds cultural and economic importance in its native regions. The fruit is often harvested and consumed locally or used in various traditional dishes. Additionally, the wood of Diospyros lotus is valued for its fine grain, which makes it useful in furniture making and artisan crafts.

From a botanical perspective, Diospyros lotus is a deciduous tree that can grow to considerable heights, adding to its majestic presence in any landscape. It is known for its resilience and longevity, often becoming a longstanding element of the habitats it occupies.

In summary, the Lotus persimmon, or Diospyros lotus, is a species with considerable ornamental, cultural, and economic value, observed from Türkiye to Korea. Its resilience and adaptability make it a notable subject of study and admiration in the plant world.

Common Names

Ita: albero di s. andrea, falso loto
Deu: lotuspflaumenbaum
Fra: plaqueminier lotier, plaqueminier d’italie, plaqueminier du levant, prunier-dattier, faux lotier, guyac de tadone
Spa: caqui, guayacán africano
Swe: dadelplommon
Eng: date plum, date-plum, lotus persimmon, lotustree, caucasian persimmon, lilac persimmon
Por: guiaca, guiacana
Hun: mandzsu datolyaszilva
Nno: daddelplomme
Nob: daddelplomme
En: Lotus persimmon, Lotustree, Date-plum, Date plum, Caucasian persimmon, Lilac persimmon, Ոսկեպտղի, Ժորի (Խարմա), False Lote-tree
Ab: Абнахәырма
Ar: خرمندي
Hy: Խուրմա սովորական
Az: Adi xurma
Zh: Jun qian zi, 君遷子
Cs: Tomel obecný
Nl: Dadelpruim, Godenpeer
Fi: Taateliluumu
Fr: Faux lotier, Plaqueminier lotier, Guyac de Tadone, Plaqueminier d’Italie, Plaqueminier du Levant, Prunier-dattier, Plaqueminier d’Europe
Ka: Ჩვეულებრივი ხურმა
De: Lotuspflaumenbaum, Dattelpflaume, Lotuspflaume
Hu: Mandzsu datolyaszilva
Ga: Dátphluma
It: Albero di S. Andrea, Guaiaco falso, Kaki, Legno Santo, Loto falso, Falso loto, Dattero di Sant’Andrea, Loto d’Italia
Ja: Mame-gaki, Shinano-gaki
Ko: Goyomnamu, 고욤나무
No: Daddelplomme
Nb: Daddelplomme
Nn: Daddelplomme
Fa: دیت-پلام
Pl: Hurma kaukaska
Pt: Guiaca, Guiacana
Ru: Хурма кавказская
Sr: Драгун
Es: Caqui, Guayacán africano, Árbol de san Andrés, Palo santo
Sv: Dadelplommon
Zh-tw: 君遷子
Tr: Küçük Trabzon hurması
Vi: Thị sen

Synonyms

• Diospyros lotus f. globosa (Makino)
• Dactylus trapezuntinus (Forssk.)
• Diospyros lotus f. ellipsoidea (Makino)
• Diospyros lotus f. longifolia (Z.Y.Zhang)
• Diospyros lotus var. mollissima (C.Y.Wu)
• Diospyros lotus var. laevis (H.Ohba & S.Akiyama)
• Diospyros mediterranea (Oken)
• Diospyros umlovok (Griff.)
• Diospyros lotus var. angustifolia (Gaudin)
• Diospyros lotus f. ovoidea (Makino)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• Iran (native)
• Korea (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Nepal (native)
• North Caucasus (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Turkey (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Albania (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Japan (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Yugoslavia (introduced)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Nov 23, 2020 by alessadro brign (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Gabriele Di Lecce (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 2005 by Michel Julien-Laferrière (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Veronique Falzon (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 14, 2022 by S M (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Maarten Vanhove (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 18, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2021 by margaux sagne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2018 by Tela Botanica − Michel Gaubert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 25, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Alain BIGOU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 21, 2022 by claire Felloni (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 15, 2014 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2000 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2022 by silmalia (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 13, 2022 by Veronique Falzon (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jun 9, 2018 by Jacques Falquet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2022 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken May 25, 2020 by corinne rochet (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2022 by Bustillos isa (cc-by-sa)

© 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.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032980)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322629-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Diospyros lotus L.)

Specifications

Growth