Black Persimmon (Diospyros texanum)
At a glance
- Lifecycle
- Perennial (hardy)
- Exposure
- Full sun
Cultivation
257201
Propagation
Seed - best sown in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe. Pot up the young seedlings as soon as they are large enough to handle into fairly deep pots and plant them out into their permanent positions in early summer. Give them some protection from winter cold for their first year or two outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Layering in spring.
Edible uses
Fruit - raw. The fruits, which are about 20mm in diameter are sweet and tasty when fully ripe.
Material uses
A black dye can be obtained from the juice of the fruit. Wood - heavy, hard, compact, takes a high polish.
Habitat
Rocky hills, ravine sides and canyons, often on limestone.
Native range
Southern N. America - Texas and New Mexico.