Jackalberry Live Plant (Diospyros mespiliformis)

Diospyros mespiliformis is an evergreen tree with a rounded, dense crown found mostly in Tropical Africa - Senegal to Eritrea and Yemen, south to Namibia, Transvaal and Mozambique. It is a member of the family Ebenaceae, and is related to the true ebony and edible persimmon. The wood is highly prized and therefore commonly harvested from the wild and traded internationally. The tree is an important source of food, medicine and other commodities for the local people.

Ripe fruits are relished by indigenous people, especially by children . It can be eaten raw, cooked, dried or made into beverages by fermentation. It has a sweet flavour similar to the persimmon. The globose, yellow fruit is up to 25mm in diameter.

Common Name: African ebony,jakkalsbessie,Jackalberry,West African Ebony

Botanical Name: Diospyros mespiliformis

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 4 to 5 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate