How to identify Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

How to identify Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

Japanese persimmon, also known as Kaki persimmon, Chinese persimmon

Japanese persimmon presents itself as a deciduous tree with notable year-round landscape appeal. It exhibits a distinctive bark pattern, deeply fissured or furrowed, forming rectangular or square shapes. Displaying adaptability to certain climates, japanese persimmon can thrive under a specific temperature range while maintaining resilience in cooler temperatures down to -12°C (10°F). The foliage of japanese persimmon is expected to be consistent with the Ebenaceae family's traits.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Japanese persimmon

Distinctive bark pattern: deeply fissured, forming rectangular shapes.

Floral dimorphism: creamy-white solitary female flowers, pinkish cluster male flowers.

Vibrant orange fruit with star-like patterns upon cutting.

Seasonal leaf color change: yellow-green to red with pronounced veins.

Gray woody stems: alternate branching, leaf scars, occasional lenticels.

Detailed Traits of Japanese persimmon

Leaf Features

The leaves of japanese persimmon are oval-shaped, measuring up to 6 inches (15 cm) long and 4 inches (10 cm) wide. They start as yellow-green in spring, transitioning to glossy green in summer. In fall, they display vibrant hues of yellow-orange to red. The leaves are smooth in texture with a pronounced vein pattern, creating a visually striking appearance seasonally. These key characteristics aid in the identification of japanese persimmon throughout the year.

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,

Circular

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Flower Features

Japanese persimmon exhibits a unique floral dimorphism. Female flowers are creamy-white, solitary, and measure approximately 0.6-0.8 inches (1.5-2 cm) in diameter, showcasing a subtle beauty. Male flowers, on the other hand, appear in clusters of three, with a distinct pinkish hue. They are slightly smaller, about 0.4 inches (1 cm) across. Both types feature a gentle, yet pleasant fragrance that is noticeable during the blooming period, which typically occurs in late spring to early summer.

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Stem Features

Japanese persimmon features gray stems that may possess a sparse covering of fine hairs or be entirely smooth. The stems are woody with a relatively straight growth pattern, generally ranging from 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in diameter. Young stems tend to be greenish-gray and mature to a darker gray color. The branching pattern is alternate, with prominent leaf scars and occasional lenticels. The texture is firm, providing structural support, and the stems exhibit a slightly roughened surface as they age.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of japanese persimmon is a strikingly vibrant orange, typically measuring 3-4 inches (7.6-10.2 cm) in diameter with a globular to oval shape. Upon cutting the fruit transversely, one can observe distinctive lighter colored star-like patterns, created by 8 lines that radiate from the fruit's center. This hardy fruit is noted for its resilience, often remaining on the tree into the cold winter months, adorning the bare branches with its persistent presence.

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Japanese persimmon and Their Similar Plants

Common Persimmon vs. Japanese persimmon: What's The Difference?

Common Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a deciduous tree native to the eastern parts of North America. Its edible fruits are high in vitamin C and readily eaten by wildlife. Seeds of common Persimmon can be roasted and used as an alternative to coffee; leaves can be dried and used as a tea.

Wild coffee vs. Japanese persimmon: What's The Difference?

The wild coffee is an enticing tree with glossy, dark green leaves. The flowers are creamy and fragrant, and their aesthetically pleasing appearance makes them popular additions to many gardens. This hedge may attract birds, and they do well as container plants.

Japanese persimmon 'Jiro' vs. Japanese persimmon: What's The Difference?

Japanese persimmon 'Jiro' is noted for its hardiness and upright growth form, though the cultivar is smaller than the parent plant, the Japanese persimmon. The cultivar is also prized for its large, orange fruit that's regarded as extremely sweet and non-astringent.

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Key Facts About Japanese persimmon

Attributes of Japanese persimmon

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Tree

Plant Height

10 m to 14 m

Spread

10 m to 13 m

Leaf Color

Green

Yellow

Red

Orange

Purple

Flower Size

2 cm to 2.5 cm

Flower Color

Yellow

Cream

Fruit Color

Orange

Stem Color

Silver

Gray

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Japanese persimmon

Phylum

Class

Order

Family

Genus

Species

Japanese persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

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Distribution Map of Japanese persimmon

Japanese persimmon is a plant native to East Asia and the Indo-Malaya region, flourishing across temperate and subtropical zones. It has been introduced successfully to parts of the Near East, South America, and Eastern Europe. Widely cultivated, japanese persimmon has adapted to various climates, extending its presence in both naturalized and managed landscapes outside its indigenous range.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

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A Comprehensive Guide to Japanese persimmon How to Grow and Care for Japanese persimmon