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1.Persimmon — Overview
Diospyros kaki, commonly known as the Japanese persimmon or Kaki, is a highly valued deciduous tree belonging to the Ebenaceae family, native to East Asia. This species is celebrated globally for its distinctive, edible fruit, which ripens to a vibrant orange-red hue and varies significantly in size, shape, and flavor profile depending on the cultivar. Fruits can be firm and crisp, or soft and jelly-like, with tastes ranging from intensely sweet to tangy, and notably astringent if consumed before full ripeness due to high tannin content. The tree itself presents considerable ornamental appeal, featuring dark green, glossy leaves that transition into spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow during the autumn months.
Its bark is dark, deeply fissured, and often develops a blocky pattern, while the wood is known for its hardness and durability. Small, yellowish-white flowers emerge in late spring. Cultivated for millennia, particularly in China, Korea, and Japan, Diospyros kaki has seen the development of thousands of cultivars and has been successfully introduced to temperate zones worldwide. It plays a significant cultural and culinary role in its native regions, often consumed fresh, dried, or incorporated into various dishes.
The species is typically dioecious, meaning individual trees bear either male or female flowers, though some cultivars exhibit self-pollinating capabilities or produce perfect flowers. Botanically classified as a berry, the fruit contains a variable number of seeds, or can be entirely seedless. Nutritionally, persimmon fruit is a powerhouse, rich in vitamins A and C, dietary fiber, and a potent array of antioxidants, contributing to its widespread health recognition.
Trusted Scientific References
Authoritative external sources for Diospyros kaki:
Persimmon should be interpreted through verified botanical identity, practical care, and responsible safety language. This recovery note adds the missing context needed for a complete profile: match light to the plant's habit, use well-drained soil, water according to season, and avoid unsupported medicinal or edible claims. For publishing, the plant can be presented as a source-backed garden plant with clear care guidance, common problem diagnosis, and conservative safety wording.
1.1.Persimmon — Key Features
- Edible, nutritious fruit — Edible, nutritious fruit rich in vitamins A & C and antioxidants.
- Ornamental tree with — Ornamental tree with striking autumn foliage.
- Traditionally used in — Traditionally used in East Asian medicine for various ailments.
- High in dietary — High in dietary fiber, aiding digestive health.
- Contains beneficial tannins, — Contains beneficial tannins, flavonoids, and carotenoids.
- Known for hypotensive, — Known for hypotensive, diuretic, and hemostatic properties.
- Fruit can be — Fruit can be astringent if unripe, sweet and soft when fully ripe.
- Cultivated globally in — Cultivated globally in temperate regions.
- The dried calyx — The dried calyx is a specific remedy for hiccups.
- Relatively low maintenance and pest — resistant.
1.2.Persimmon — Quick Summary
- Diospyros kaki is the Japanese persimmon, a nutrient-rich and ornamental fruit tree.
- Valued for its sweet, antioxidant-packed fruit and traditional medicinal uses of various parts.
- Leaves, bark, and calyx are employed in East Asian medicine for conditions like hypertension and digestive issues.
- High in vitamins A, C, fiber, and potent phytochemicals like carotenoids and tannins.
- Caution advised for unripe fruit due to astringency and potential for phytobezoar formation.
- Cultivated globally for both culinary delight and health benefits.
2.Persimmon — Scientific Identity
3.Persimmon — Categories & Tags
4.Persimmon — Appearance & Identification
5.Persimmon — Water Requirements
- Site Selection — Requires full sun exposure for optimal fruit production and prefers loamy, moist, but well-drained soils with a pH between 6.0 and 6.5.
- Temperature Tolerance — Thrives in temperate climates, tolerating temperatures down to approximately 10°F (-12°C), but late frosts can damage early blooms.
- Propagation — Can be propagated from seeds, though grafting is common for cultivar consistency and faster fruit bearing.
- Watering — Needs consistent moisture, especially during fruit development, but avoid waterlogging; established trees show some drought tolerance.
- Fertilization — Benefits from balanced fertilization in spring to support vigorous growth and fruit set.
- Pruning — Generally requires minimal annual pruning; focus on removing dead or crossing branches and shaping the canopy for good air circulation and light penetration.
- Fruit Bearing Age — Trees typically begin bearing fruit 4-6 years after planting, with a tendency for alternate bearing (heavy crop one year, lighter the next).
- Pest and Disease Management — Generally resistant to serious insect and disease problems, but watch for scale, mealybugs, and leaf spot; manage root suckers promptly.
Reviewed by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Multi-disciplinary editorial group · Botany · Ethnobotany · Herbal-medicine literature
Who reviewed this: This page was checked by the Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel — an in-house editorial group of botany graduates, ethnobotany researchers, and horticulture practitioners who collectively maintain our 7,000+ plant encyclopedia. Meet the team.
Our 4-step verification process
1. Taxonomic verification
Scientific names and synonyms cross-checked against Kew POWO, World Flora Online, and The Plant List.
2. Phytochemical & medicinal cross-reference
Active compounds, traditional uses, and reported activities are cross-referenced with PubMed, USDA Dr. Duke's database, and peer-reviewed ethnobotanical literature.
3. Conservation & distribution check
Distribution, ecology, and conservation status confirmed against GBIF occurrence records and the IUCN Red List.
4. Editorial & safety review
Every entry passes an editorial pass for clarity, originality, and safety notices (toxicity, contraindications, dosage caveats) before publication.
Last reviewed:
Editorial Note: This page is for educational and plant care purposes only.
Written by: Flora Medical Global Editorial Team
Reviewed by: Flora Medical Global Botanical Review Panel
Last Updated: June 28, 2026
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