Kaki tree

The persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki) is a tree that originally grew in the tropics and subtropics and reaches a height of up to 10 meters. The dark green, lanceolate leaves are divided into petiole and leaf blade.

Diospyros kaki belongs to the genus Diospyros or ebony trees and to the ebony family (Ebenaceae). There are around 500 species.

Cultivated forms or varieties of the persimmon are the honey apple, persimmon or the seedless Sharon fruit, whereby the latter contains hardly any tannin and can therefore be eaten as a hard fruit.

The fruits contain iodine, among other things, and in an unripe state also tannins (bitter taste of green fruits). The wood contains naphthoquinone derivatives.

Persimmons have been used in China for over 2000 years, making them one of the oldest cultivated plants. The fruit of the persimmon tree is known by various names: persimmon, kaki, sharon fruit. It is round and resembles a tomato in color and shape. The persimmon can be eaten like an apple, with or without the skin.