Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Diospyros kaki or Japanese Persimmon

The genus Diospyros, family Ebenaceae, comprises 700 species of trees native to tropical regions on all continents. Some species are: Diospyros kaki, Diospyros decandra, Diospyros nigra, Diospyros australis, Diospyros whyteana, Diospyros texana, Diospyros virginiana.

Common names: Japanese Persimmon, Chinese date plum, Oriental persimmon, Kaki. This species is native to eastern Asia.

They are deciduous and dioecious trees with a rounded crown that reach 10 meters (32.8 feet) in height. The leaves are glossy on the upper surface, velvety on the underside, elliptical in shape; they turn orange or yellow in fall. The flowers are green and have no ornamental interest. Its interesting and nutritious fruits (Kakis) are harvested in early autumn.

They are used as fruit trees and as a shade tree for a small or medium garden.

Diospyros kaki can grow in full sun exposure and light shade. It must be protected from strong winds and cold as they do not resist frost well.

They need well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter: a garden substrate with some coarse sand and plenty of compost.

They appreciate regular waterings in spring and summer waiting for the ground to have dried. They are sensitive to puddles.

Prune lightly in late winter to keep the appearance rounded.

Fertilize in late winter with manure or compost and mineral fertilizer once in spring and again in summer.

They can be attacked by fungi if the soil moisture is excessive and by some insects in summer.

Propagation is not easy because the seeds do not always germinate and grafting is not easy; it's advisable to acquire new specimens in nurseries or garden centers.

Images of the tree Diospyros kaki or Japanese Persimmon