Indian Persimmon (Diospyros malabarica)

Family: Ebenaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Indian Persimmon or Diospyros malabarica is an evergreen flowering tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. It is slow-growing, well-branched, and has a spreading crown and a straight, cylindrical trunk that grows about 70cm in diameter. It reaches a height of about 37 m. The leaves are shiny green and the flowers are white or green. The bark and unripe fruits are used in Ayurvedic medicine.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet flavour. — Fully ripe fruits - raw.; Edible, but usually not very palatable.; The round, yellowish green berry is 2 - 5cm in diameter with up to 6 seeds in the soft pulp.; When less than fully ripe the fruit can contain large quantities of tannin and are very astringent.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland rainforests; occurring scattered, typically along rivers and streams at elevations up to 300 metres. Often found in shady and wet sites near streams in the forest at elevations up to 500 metres. (Zone 10)