Persimmon Tree Growth
The word persimmon comes from the Algonquian (Native American) language and means dried fruit, though other varieties go by different names in other countries. There are many species of persimmon trees (about 200 all total) found worldwide in various locations throughout the Mediterranean, Philippines, eastern Asia, Mexico and the eastern woodlands of the United States. In southwest Asia, a similar tree, called the date-plum, has been grown for thousands of years making that particular variety one of the oldest cultivated fruit trees in the world.
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Botanical Characteristics
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Persimmon trees are from the Ebony family of plants and are classified in the genus Diospyros, which means "the wheat of Zeus." The green wood of the persimmon is very hard and brittle, which sometimes causes branches to break easily. The slow-growing tree is easily cultivated, often reaching a height of 60 feet. The bark of the tree forms an "alligator-back" pattern with deep indentations throughout the bark.
Natural Habitat
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In the United States the persimmon is found in well-drained soils of the eastern forest from southern New England southward to northern Florida and then ranging as far west as the edge of the Great Plains. The fruit tree is very drought tolerant and often thrives in transitional vegetation zones such as along fence rows and at the edge of agricultural fields. In addition, the American variety has been planted on many rural farms because of the tasty fall fruit.
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Flowers and Fruit
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The plant is dioecious, which means each tree bears either female or male flowers. The flowers of both types are yellow in color and have four petals. They bloom in the spring, forming a yellow-orange fruit on the female tree that remains until after the leaves drop. The fruit is highly valued as an edible food, which is either eaten raw or made into a punch or a type of pudding pie. Some persimmon fruits can be quite tart if picked too early. Many persimmon connoisseurs allow the fruit to stay on the tree until after the first frost.
Ornamental
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Despite the fact that the tree is most noted for its remarkable fruit, the persimmon makes a popular ornamental. One important reason is that the tree is disease resistant. Besides that, the tree is easy to grow, has a stately shape and needs little care. If planting the tree near a walkway or sidewalk, however, it might be a good idea to choose a male plant, as the fruits of the female can turn a footpath into a very slippery place.
Persimmon Orchards
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Persimmons have been cultivated in China for thousands of years. In recent times persimmon orchards and farms have become more commonplace in other parts of the world such as North America, Hawaii and the Philippines. Meanwhile, in the Orient persimmons are used as a dried fruit and to make vinegar or juice. The fruit gets divided into two types, astringent (sour) and nonastringent, but if allowed to completely mature on the tree, the difference between the two often escapes notice.
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References
- Photo Credit cachi e galaverna image by erredifoto from Fotolia.com
