Texas persimmon (Diospyros texana, Linnaea 22: 145 (1849))

Family: Ebenaceae

Author: Scheele

Bibliography: Linnaea 22: 145 (1849)

Year: 1849

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Diospyros

Vegetable: False

Observations: Texas to NE. Mexico

Description

The Texas persimmon, scientifically known as Diospyros texana, is a noteworthy member of the Ebenaceae family. This hardy species thrives in the rugged terrains extending from Texas into northeastern Mexico, showcasing its adaptability to diverse environments.

Historically rooted in the botanical literature, Diospyros texana was first formally described by the distinguished botanist Scheele, with its classification appearing in Linnaea 22: 145 (1849). This documentation marks the official acknowledgment of the species in the annals of botanical science, providing a foundational description that has guided subsequent research and understanding.

The Texas persimmon stands out for its unique ecological characteristics and resilience. It typically adorns the landscape with its distinctive small, dark fruits that ripen to an alluring black, drawing interest from both wildlife and human admirers alike. The tree’s bark, smooth and pale, often peels away in thin layers, contrasting beautifully with its dense, dark foliage and providing a striking visual marvel in its natural habitat.

In its native range, Diospyros texana is more than just a botanical specimen; it plays a crucial role in local ecosystems. It offers nourishment and habitat to a variety of fauna and serves as a significant component of the region’s flora. Moreover, its austere beauty and tough nature have made it a subject of interest for native plant enthusiasts and conservationists working to preserve the natural biodiversity of the Texas and northeastern Mexican landscapes.

Overall, the Texas persimmon exemplifies the enduring beauty and ecological significance of native plant species, demonstrating how regional flora can thrive and sustain the environmental balance through centuries of natural history.

Common Names

Eng: mexican persimmon, texas persimmon, black persimmon
Spa: chapote
En: Texas persimmon, Black persimmon, Mexican persimmon
Ar: خرمال تكساني
Ko: 텍사스감나무
Fa: خرمالو تگزاسی
Es: Chapote
Vi: Thị Texas

Synonyms

• Brayodendron texanum ((Scheele) Small)
• Diospyros cuneifolia (Hiern)
• Diospyros mexicana (Scheele ex Hiern)

Distribution

• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Texas (native)

Additional Images

Bark

Taken Feb 20, 2016 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 18, 2013 by EOL − Mikael Behrens (cc-by-nc)

Taken Feb 26, 2016 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 7, 2015 by EOL − Ashton Tassin (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by crabmail (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 10, 2015 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2015 by EOL − B.P. (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2015 by EOL − B.P. (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 29, 2015 by EOL − Chuck Sexton (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 17, 2021 by George Thomas (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.

Leaf

Taken Apr 21, 2020 by crabmail (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by crabmail (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2022 by Joey Frazor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 1, 2021 by Peña Sergio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by mel strybos (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 23, 2015 by EOL − Javi Gonzalez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 10, 2013 by EOL − Brian-Sean Early (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 28, 2013 by EOL − Kenneth Bader (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 3, 2007 by EOL − J.R.M. (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by crabmail (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Apr 7, 2020 by Missi missi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 28, 2019 by C PecMay (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2017 by Tela Botanica − _ (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2006 by EOL − Josh*m (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 10, 2015 by EOL − Cullen Hanks (cc-by-nc)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3032981)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:323100-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Diospyros texana Scheele)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree, Shrub

Growth