Texas Persimmon Fruit Plant (Diospyros texana)

• Common Name: Mexican Persimmon, Black Persimmon
• Botanical Name: Diospyros texana
• General Information:

Native to central, south, and west Texas and southwest Oklahoma in the United States. Also found in eastern Chihuahua, Coahuila, Nuevo León, and Tamaulipas in northeastern Mexico. Well-shaped shrub or small tree, Grows in scrubland on rocky soils. Smooth, light, peeling bark. Small, hard leaves, Small, urn-shaped white flowers. Edible, fleshy, sweet, black fruits (about the size of a small plum). Excellent ornamental for temperate and warm temperate climates 

• Fruit Description:

Oval leaves rounded at the tips

Leaves with small, fine hairs underneath

Fruit contains three to eight seeds

Fruit starts green, turning black when ripe

Popular for making puddings, custards, and jellies

• Health Benefits:

Contains catechins with anti-infective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-hemorrhagic properties

Rich in antioxidant compounds like vitamin A, beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, and cryptoxanthin

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate