Diospyros lotus Seeds

Botanical name: Diospyros lotus
Common name: Date Plum, Caucasian Persimmon, Lilac Persimmon
Family: Ebenaceae

Diospyros lotus, commonly known as the Date Plum, Caucasian Persimmon, or Lilac Persimmon, is a deciduous tree native to a wide area spanning from Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe to China. As a member of the ebony family (Ebenaceae), it is related to other persimmon species. The tree typically grows to a medium size with a broad, rounded crown. Its leaves are glossy, dark green, and oblong, and they provide a striking yellow autumn color. In the summer, it produces small, inconspicuous, bell-shaped flowers that are followed by small, round fruits.

Diospyros lotus is also notable for its durability and is sometimes used as a rootstock for grafting other persimmon species, such as the Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki). Its wood is hard and durable, used for fine furniture and construction. The tree is known for its ability to grow on a variety of soil types and is quite cold-hardy once established.