El Diospyros Lotus is a deciduous tree, which belongs to the family ebanaceae. Commonly known as wild persimmon. It is an elegant ornamental plant that preserves its branches for a long time. It is a rich source of nutrients for birds in the winter season and its flowering occurs during the month of July; while its seeds ripen between October and November.
Origin and habitat
It is a species native to East Asia, in countries like China and Japan. It can also be found in Western European regions, and also grows in temperate climates. For more information on its cultivation, you can visit our section dedicated to trees of Asia which covers similar species and their adaptation to different environments.
Characteristics of the Diospyros Lotus
The Diospyros Lotus It is a deciduous tree, quite resistant that can reach 6 meters in height. It has a strong and striated bark, brown branches. Its leaves are elongated, oblong, dark green, shiny on the upper side and with smooth edges, they can be up to 15 centimeters long, during autumn they acquire a yellow hue, they are alternate and have a smooth texture.
Its flowering appears in the month of June, when it presents small green to reddish flowers. The female leaves give off an unpleasant odor. Its fruits are edible and are similar in size to large cherries, yellow in color that turns very dark blue when fully ripe, they are approximately 20 mm in diameter, they ripen between the months of October and November, and have a sweet, pleasant flavor when fully ripe. You can learn more about the varieties of persimmons and how to differentiate them.
Plantation
This plant requires clay soils in full sun or semi-shade. If you plan to grow it for its fruit, you should plant it in a warm, sunny location. This plant does not tolerate too acidic soils, humid and with poor drainage. Established plants are resistant to cold, the same does not happen with the younger and mature ones, which are sensitive to frost.
Its unfertilized fruits may be more astringent than fertilized ones. The root has long ramifications and they are difficult to transplant, so it is recommended to plant it as soon as possible in its final position and ensure its protection during the winter season for one or two years. It begins to produce fruit around the age of 6.
This species can be propagated by seeds and by cuttings. If you decide on its multiplication by seeds, sow in the middle of cold weather as soon as it is ripe. With regard to stored seeds, you should always keep in mind that these need a period of stratification cold and cultivated as soon as possible. They usually germinate after one to six months at a temperature of 15ºC.
Make sure the youngest seedlings are large enough to be handled by hand and then place them in deep pots and the plants in their final positions in early summer. Protect them from the winter cold At least during its first year or two outdoors. If you want to propagate by wood cuttings, it's recommended to do so between July and August in a warmer environment. For more details on its care, see our care guide. fruit trees for limestone soils.
Uses
In some European countries it is grown to take advantage of its fruits, which are very durable. This species has medicinal properties, which is why its fruit is used as a fever reducer and also to promote secretions. Its seeds are used as a sedative in China. Because its wood is durable and rot-resistant, it is used in construction and carpentry. You may also be interested in learning about Aranjuez gardens, where similar species enrich their environment.
Diseases and pests
It is a plant susceptible to the attack of various annoyances and pests, such as; gray mold, wood decay, the mushroom and leaf spots, among other fungal diseases. These conditions can cause leaves to wilt, lose color, and even fall prematurely from the tree. To treat these problems, we recommend reviewing our section on and following the recommendations to prevent their occurrence.
