Diospyros lotus - Plum Date - €25 per plant 

Diospyros lotus is an attractive deciduous tree that produces small, edible fruits. Its oval-shaped leaves are dark green and glossy and really attractive. In mid to late spring, small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers appear followed by spherical yellow-orange fruits about the size of a walnut. These fruits darken to a purple shade in October when they are often edible, but like Diospyros kaki, are astringent unless bletted. A fairly small tree that takes well to pruning, they fit well against a fence, where they can take advantage of wind protection. Also suitable for container growing. To order this plant please contact us: [email protected].  

Context

  • native region: E. Asia - China, Japan. Himalayas, Iran
  • native habitat: Mixed mountain forests to 1500 metres in China
  • family: Ebenaceae

Predators

  • ​None known

Needs, tolerances 

  • Light: Semi shade or Full sun
  • soil pH:  acid (mild)-neutral -basic alkaline (mild) 
  • USDA Hardiness Zone: 7 - 9
  • Prefers moist and well drained soil

Known Hazards

  • None known
Overview​
  • Deciduous tree growing to 9m by 6m at a slow rate
  • It is in flower in July and the seeds ripen from October - November
  • The species is dioecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but only one sex is to be found on any one plant so both male and female plants must be grown if seed is required). The plant is not self-fertile. 
  • Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil
  • Suitable pH: mildy acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. 

Characteristics

  • form:  Deciduous tree  
  • layer :Lower Canopy
  • habit: Bushy, conical shape
  • height: 15m

Products 

  • Flowers: Small greenish-white bell-shaped flowers. Some reports that they are also edible.
  • Fruit: Fruits are berries with juicy flesh, yellow when ripe, 1–2 cm in diameter. Edible and delicious fresh but is very bitter if eaten before it is ripe. Tend to fruit in warmer climates.
  • Leaves: The leaves are shiny, leathery, oval shape with pointed ends, 5–15 cm long and 3–6 cm in width.
  • Wood: The trunks provide valuable building material in desert regions where few other treelike plants are found. ​​

Functions, behaviours

  • The bark of Diospyros Lotus is highly attractive forming scaly platelets as the tree matures.
  • Good specimen tree.
  • It requires some shelter from prevailing winds to fruit consistently. 
If you would like this plant please send an email to [email protected] with your order. 
Balkan Ecology Project