Kaki tree

The persimmon tree (Diospyros kaki) is a tree that is originally widespread in the tropics and subtropics and reaches a height of up to 10 metres. The dark green, lancet-shaped leaves are divided into leaf stem and leaf blade.

Diospyros kaki belongs to the genus Diospyros or ebony trees and to the ebony family (Ebenaceae). About 500 species occur.

Cultivated forms or varieties of the persimmon are honey apple, persimmon or the seedless sharon fruit, whereby the latter contains hardly any tannin and can therefore already 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.

In China, persimmon has been used for over 2000 years and is therefore one of the oldest cultivated plants. The fruit of the persimmon tree is known under different names: persimmon, persimmon, sharon fruit. It is round, its colour and shape is reminiscent of a tomato. Persimmon can be eaten like an apple with or without skin.