Date Plum (Diospyros lotus)

Family: Ebenaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (5/5)

Diospyros lotus is a deciduous Tree growing to 9 m (29ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in flower in July, and the seeds ripen from October to 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). .

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

rich flavour when it is fully ripe (almost at the point of going bad), but it is very harsh and astringent before then. — Fruit - raw or cooked.; The fruit has an exquisitely rich flavour when it is fully ripe (almost at the point of going bad), but it is very harsh and astringent before then.; The fruit may not ripen properly in a cool summer, though if it is frosted it normally develops a very good flavour.; The fruit can be dried, when it acquires a date-like flavour.

Habitat & North American Range

Mixed mountain forests to 1500 metres in China. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)