Diospyros virginiana

Diospyros virginiana, the American persimmon, is a tree native to the Eastern United States. Its ranges from New England to Florida, and west to Texas and Kansas. The tree grows wild but has been cultivated for its fruit and wood since 1629.

D. virginiana grows to 20 m, in well-drained soil. The tree produces fragrant flowers in summer, the flowers are dioecious so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required. The flowers are pollinated by insects and wind.

The fruit of the American persimmon is round or oval. The fruit color is usually orange, ranging to black. Fruit size is varies from 2–6 cm.

Commercial varities include the very productive Even Golden, the productive John Rick, Woolbright, and Miller and the Ennis–seedless variety.

Uses

The fruit is high in vitamin C. The fruit may be eaten raw, cooked or dried. Molasses can be made from the fruit pulp. A tea can be mabe from the leaves and the roasted seed is used as a coffee substitute.