How to identify Japanese persimmon 'Jiro' (Diospyros kaki 'Jiro')

How to identify Japanese persimmon 'Jiro' (Diospyros kaki 'Jiro')

Japanese persimmon 'Jiro', also known as Kaki persimmon 'Jiro', Chinese persimmon 'Jiro'

Japanese persimmon 'Jiro' presents a striking appearance with its deeply fissured or furrowed bark, which appears in patterns of rectangles or squares providing a distinct texture. This hardy cultivar produces abundant sweet, mild fruit that is notably non-astringent, easily enjoyed fresh. The tree's ability to withstand temperatures as low as -12°C (10°F) makes it a robust choice for growers in cooler climates. The visual appeal across seasons and generous fruiting makes japanese persimmon 'Jiro' a valuable and recognizable plant in various landscapes.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Japanese persimmon 'Jiro'

Smooth-textured, round fruit ripens yellow-orange, seedless and sweet, ensuring non-astringent flavor.

Robust trunk with brownish-gray, exfoliating bark in small flakes, revealing lighter shades beneath.

Deeply fissured stem with large lenticels, medium-thick measuring 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter.

Distinctive glossy green leaves transition to vibrant fall colors of yellow, orange, or red.

Male flowers in pink clusters of three, female flowers slightly fragrant with four whitish petals.

Detailed Traits of Japanese persimmon 'Jiro'

Leaf Features

The leaves of japanese persimmon 'Jiro' are glossy green and measure 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length. They transform into vibrant shades of yellow, orange, or red during the fall. The leaves are smooth-textured with a simple, ovate shape and display a prominent central vein along with parallel lateral veins. Their shiny surface and striking fall coloration are distinctive features useful for identification.

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The flowers of japanese persimmon 'Jiro' are distinctive and offer subtle beauty. Female flowers are slightly fragrant, each borne singly with four whitish petals that measure about 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. Male flowers exhibit a pinkish tone and appear in clusters of three. Blooming primarily in the spring, these features combined ensure easy identification of the plant's reproductive characteristics.

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of japanese persimmon 'Jiro' is characterized by a dark rich brown hue interspersed with large lenticels, giving it a textured appearance. Typically medium-thick, measuring around 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) in diameter, the stem exhibits a fairly smooth surface apart from the lenticels. This semi-sturdy stem supports branching that is fairly uniform, often emerging in a symmetrical pattern. The prominent lenticels serve as crucial identification features of this plant species.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of japanese persimmon 'Jiro' is medium to large-sized, typically ranging from yellow to orange when ripe. It boasts a round silhouette and a smooth texture. Notably non-astringent, this variety provides an appealing, sweet taste which contributes to its high quality. The fruit is typically seedless, adding to the convenience and enjoyment of consumption. Highly productive, this variety ensures a generous yield, making it a favorable choice among cultivars. Sizes can vary, but they remain consistent with the round, plump shape commonly associated with japanese persimmon 'Jiro'.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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