Diospyros: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:30, 23 March 2025

Genus of flowering plants

Diospyros is a genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The genus is part of the family Ebenaceae, and is known for its hardwood and edible fruit. The most well-known species is the persimmon, particularly Diospyros kaki, which is widely cultivated for its sweet, orange fruit.

Description[edit]

Diospyros species are typically medium-sized trees, but can vary significantly in size. The leaves are simple, alternate, and can be either deciduous or evergreen depending on the species. The flowers are usually small, bell-shaped, and can be either monoecious or dioecious. The fruit is a berry, often large and fleshy, with a high sugar content when ripe.

Distribution[edit]

Diospyros species are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are particularly diverse in Southeast Asia, Africa, and Australia. Some species are adapted to temperate climates and are found in regions such as East Asia and North America.

Uses[edit]

Diospyros celebica, known for its ebony wood

Diospyros trees are valued for both their fruit and their wood. The fruit of many species, such as Diospyros kaki (Japanese persimmon) and Diospyros lotus (date-plum), is edible and consumed fresh or dried. The wood of some species, such as Diospyros ebenum (Ceylon ebony) and Diospyros celebica (Macassar ebony), is highly prized for its density and dark color, making it ideal for fine woodworking and musical instruments.

Notable Species[edit]

Diospyros kaki: Commonly known as the Japanese persimmon, it is one of the most widely cultivated species for its sweet fruit.
Diospyros lotus: Known as the date-plum, it is native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe.
Diospyros virginiana: The American persimmon, native to the eastern United States, produces small, sweet fruit.
Diospyros ebenum: Known as Ceylon ebony, it is valued for its dense, black wood.

Ecology[edit]

Diospyros species play important roles in their ecosystems. The fruit is a food source for various animals, including birds and mammals, which help disperse the seeds. The trees also provide habitat and shelter for wildlife.

Cultivation[edit]

Diospyros species are cultivated for both ornamental and agricultural purposes. The persimmon, in particular, is grown in orchards for its fruit. Cultivation requires well-drained soil and a warm climate, although some species can tolerate cooler temperatures.

Conservation[edit]

Some Diospyros species are threatened by habitat loss and overexploitation for their valuable wood. Conservation efforts are focused on sustainable harvesting practices and habitat protection.

Related pages[edit]

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-'''Diospyros''' is a genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs, belonging to the family [[Ebenaceae]]. The name "Diospyros" comes from the ancient Greek words "dios" (διός), meaning "divine," and "pyros" (πυρός), meaning "wheat" or "grain," suggesting "divine fruit" or "food of the gods." This genus includes economically significant species, notably those producing [[ebony]] wood and the [[persimmon]] fruit. Diospyros species are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, with a few species extending into temperate zones.
+{{Short description|Genus of flowering plants}}
+{{Taxobox
+| name = Diospyros
+| image = Diospyros_kaki3.jpg
+| image_caption = Diospyros kaki
+| regnum = [[Plantae]]
+| unranked_divisio = [[Angiosperms]]
+| unranked_classis = [[Eudicots]]
+| unranked_ordo = [[Asterids]]
+| ordo = [[Ericales]]
+| familia = [[Ebenaceae]]
+| genus = '''''Diospyros'''''
+| genus_authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
+}}
+'''Diospyros''' is a genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The genus is part of the family [[Ebenaceae]], and is known for its [[hardwood]] and [[edible fruit]]. The most well-known species is the [[persimmon]], particularly ''[[Diospyros kaki]]'', which is widely cultivated for its sweet, orange fruit.
 ==Description==
-Diospyros species vary greatly in size and form, ranging from small shrubs to large trees. They are characterized by their leathery leaves, small bell-shaped flowers, and fleshy fruits. The flowers are usually dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female, but some species have both male and female flowers on the same plant (monoecious). The fruit, which is a large berry, is commonly known as a persimmon, and varies in color from yellow to red or black when ripe.
+[[File:Diospyros_buxifolia.jpg|thumb|left|Diospyros buxifolia]]
+Diospyros species are typically medium-sized trees, but can vary significantly in size. The leaves are simple, alternate, and can be either deciduous or evergreen depending on the species. The flowers are usually small, bell-shaped, and can be either monoecious or dioecious. The fruit is a berry, often large and fleshy, with a high sugar content when ripe.
+==Distribution==
+Diospyros species are found in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. They are particularly diverse in [[Southeast Asia]], [[Africa]], and [[Australia]]. Some species are adapted to temperate climates and are found in regions such as [[East Asia]] and [[North America]].
+==Uses==
+[[File:Macassar01.jpg|thumb|right|Diospyros celebica, known for its ebony wood]]
+Diospyros trees are valued for both their fruit and their wood. The fruit of many species, such as ''Diospyros kaki'' (Japanese persimmon) and ''Diospyros lotus'' (date-plum), is edible and consumed fresh or dried. The wood of some species, such as ''Diospyros ebenum'' (Ceylon ebony) and ''Diospyros celebica'' (Macassar ebony), is highly prized for its density and dark color, making it ideal for fine woodworking and musical instruments.
+==Notable Species==
+* '''''Diospyros kaki''''': Commonly known as the Japanese persimmon, it is one of the most widely cultivated species for its sweet fruit.
+* '''''Diospyros lotus''''': Known as the date-plum, it is native to southwest Asia and southeast Europe.
+* '''''Diospyros virginiana''''': The American persimmon, native to the eastern United States, produces small, sweet fruit.
+* '''''Diospyros ebenum''''': Known as Ceylon ebony, it is valued for its dense, black wood.
 ==Ecology==
-Diospyros species play a significant role in their ecosystems. They are a source of food for various animals, including birds, mammals, and insects, which in turn help in the pollination and seed dispersal of these plants. Some species are adapted to specific ecological niches, with certain species thriving in wet tropical forests, while others are suited to dry, deciduous forests or savannahs.
+[[File:Diospyros_geminata_foliage_and_fruitII.jpg|thumb|left|Diospyros geminata foliage and fruit]]
+Diospyros species play important roles in their ecosystems. The fruit is a food source for various animals, including birds and mammals, which help disperse the seeds. The trees also provide habitat and shelter for wildlife.
-==Economic Importance==
+==Cultivation==
-The genus Diospyros includes species of considerable economic value. The most well-known is ''Diospyros kaki'', the common persimmon, which is cultivated for its edible fruit. Another significant species is ''Diospyros ebenum'', known for producing ebony wood, highly valued for its dense, dark, and durable qualities, making it a preferred material for musical instruments, furniture, and decorative items. Additionally, some species are used in traditional medicine and as ornamental plants.
+Diospyros species are cultivated for both ornamental and agricultural purposes. The persimmon, in particular, is grown in orchards for its fruit. Cultivation requires well-drained soil and a warm climate, although some species can tolerate cooler temperatures.
-==Species==
-Some notable species within the ''Diospyros'' genus include:
-* ''[[Diospyros kaki]]'' (Persimmon) - Known for its sweet, edible fruit.
-* ''[[Diospyros ebenum]]'' (Ebony) - Produces the valuable ebony wood.
-* ''[[Diospyros virginiana]]'' (American Persimmon) - Native to the eastern United States, valued for its fruit and wood.
-* ''[[Diospyros digyna]]'' (Black Sapote) - Produces a fruit known as the "chocolate pudding fruit" for its taste and texture.
-* ''[[Diospyros texana]]'' (Texas Persimmon) - A small tree or shrub native to central and western Texas and Mexico.
 ==Conservation==
-While many Diospyros species are widespread and not currently at risk, some are considered vulnerable or endangered due to habitat loss, overexploitation, and climate change. Conservation efforts are necessary to ensure the survival of these species, including habitat protection, sustainable harvesting practices, and ex-situ conservation measures.
+Some Diospyros species are threatened by habitat loss and overexploitation for their valuable wood. Conservation efforts are focused on sustainable harvesting practices and habitat protection.
-==See Also==
+==Related pages==
-* [[Ebenaceae]]
 * [[Persimmon]]
 * [[Ebony]]
-* [[Ornamental plant]]
+* [[Ebenaceae]]
-* [[Traditional medicine]]
-==References==
-<references/>
+[[Category:Diospyros|*]]
 [[Category:Ebenaceae]]
-[[Category:Tree genera]]
+[[Category:Fruit trees]]
-[[Category:Diospyros]]
-{{botany-stub}}