Diospyros lotus
Date-Plum
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Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Description
Diospyros lotus, with common names Date-plum, Caucasian Persimmon, or Lilac Persimmon, is a widely cultivated species of the genus Diospyros, native to subtropical southwest Asia and southeast Europe. Its English name derives from the small fruit, which have a taste reminiscent of both plums and dates. It is among the oldest plants in cultivation.
Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Blooming
Urn shaped flowers in early spring. In fall edible fruits from 2-4 inches across. Abundance of fruit depends on species and pollination.
Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Growth
30-60 foot deciduous tree with 6 inch oval leaves. Fruit drop is messy with D. texana and a population of males is usually preferred as an ornamental. D. virginiana and D. kaki on the other hand are grown as landscape fruit trees. Diospyros sp. does best in full sun with shelter from the cold. Where not hardy, grow Diospyros sp. in a cool greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 35ºF (2ºC). During the day, set temperatures between 41-50ºF (5-1º0C), and at night, keep the temperature at 36ºF (2ºC).
Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Planting
American persimmon needs pollination from another tree. Japanese persimmon is self-fertile.When ripe, sow seeds in containers in an open frame.
Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Pest
Leaf rollers, mealybugs, and scale insects. Other problems include wood rot, fruit rot, wilt, powdery mildew, anthracnose, blight, and fungal spots, all of which are quite common.
Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Interesting facts
Female and male flowers are produced on separate plants, except for the American Persimmon. One species of Diospyros, D. kaki, can generate fruit without pollination, although the fruits are not as large as they could otherwise be. At the end of World War II after the atomic bomb exploded over the southern Japanese city of Nagasaki, much of the city was demolished. Legend has it, that a lone Japanese Persimmon (aka Kaki) that was growing near the epicenter of the explosion survived the blast. The "Nagasaki Kaki", as it is known, has come to symbolize the end of the Second World War: the end of destruction and beginning of renewal.
Date-Plum (Diospyros lotus) - Soil and irrigation
D. texana is well suited to rocky, dry, alkaline soils, but not high-rainfall, high-humidity areas. Little water is needed once established. D. virginiana and D. kaki are not fussy about soil and need regular to moderate water. However, good drainage is a must!
