Content
- 1 Description and characteristics of Caucasian persimmon
- 2 Where and how does Caucasian persimmon grow?
- 3 Does Caucasian persimmon knit?
- 4 Composition and calorie content
- 5 The benefits and harms of wild Caucasian persimmon
- 6 Contraindications for use
- 7 Features of growing wild Caucasian persimmon
- 8 Caring for Caucasian persimmon
- 9 Conclusion
Caucasian persimmon is a type of crop that is found in the North Caucasus, Crimea and other neighboring regions. The tree is unpretentious and tolerates frost well. Its fruits are small, but quite suitable for fresh consumption (preferably after cold treatment) and for various preparations.
Description and characteristics of Caucasian persimmon
Wild Caucasian (Diospyros lotus) is a species of common persimmon. This is a tree up to 30 m high with shiny leathery leaves. The shape of the leaf blade is oval, pointed, reaches a length from 5 to 15 cm, a width from 3 to 6 cm. The bark is light brown, crumbles as it ages.
The flowers are small in size, greenish in color, appear from June to July. The plant is a honey plant and attracts bees and other pollinators. The fruits of wild Caucasian persimmon are small, reaching 2 cm in diameter. The pulp is juicy and soft, yellow when cut. The seeds have a thin skin.
The fruits of Caucasian persimmon are small, orange in color.
Where and how does Caucasian persimmon grow?
In nature, wild trees grow in the Caucasus, Crimea, Krasnodar Territory, as well as throughout the Mediterranean (even to Spain). It is found in the subtropical regions of Eurasia, including certain provinces of China and Northern India. Prefers foothills 300–600 m above sea level, and in Asia – up to 2000 m.
In most cases, Caucasian persimmon does not grow in separate groups, but in combination with different trees. Its neighbors are often ash trees, maples and other deciduous plants. The tree is not demanding on conditions, so it is often found even on rocky slopes. At the same time, persimmon is demanding on lighting - it grows well only in open places.
Does Caucasian persimmon knit?
Caucasian wild persimmon, like cultivated varieties, contains tannins (tannins). Therefore, they knit noticeably, especially when unripe. However, freezing or drying destroys these components, resulting in improved flavor. Sweet tones and slight sourness are noticeable.
The fruits are edible. They are used both fresh and frozen or dried. Non-alcoholic drinks and tinctures are prepared from them and used for baking. The leaves of wild Caucasian persimmon are used in tea, and an analogue of coffee is prepared from the seeds.
Composition and calorie content
The calorie content of fresh Caucasian persimmon fruits is 53 kcal per 100 g. In dried form, the figure is significantly higher and reaches 250–300 kcal for the same weight. Nutritional value per 100 g (also for dried product):
- proteins – 3.1 g;
- fats – 0.8 g;
- carbohydrates – 57.9 g.
The chemical composition of Caucasian persimmon contains the same substances as in the pulp of cultivated varieties:
- vitamin C (up to 60% of the daily value in 100 g) and A;
- tannins (tannins);
- minerals (phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium);
- simple sugars;
- Apple acid.
The bark of the branches contains various triterpenoids and tannins. The leaves contain a lot of vitamin C and other useful components:
- quinone;
- quercetin;
- lecocyanidin;
- myricetin and others.
The fruits of Caucasian persimmon contain vitamin C and other valuable substances
The benefits and harms of wild Caucasian persimmon
The culture has long been used in folk medicine of the peoples of the Caucasus, China, Thailand and Japan. Its medicinal properties are varied:
- anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, wound-healing effect;
- normalization of fat metabolism;
- improvement of liver function;
- diuretic effect;
- strengthening the immune system;
- improving the functioning of the nervous system;
- recovery after long-term illnesses and operations;
- treatment of enuresis.
For medicinal purposes, fruits, leaves and even tails are used (a decoction is prepared from them). Used internally, less often for external treatment of wounds, pustules and abscesses. To do this, apply steamed leaves or compresses from their decoction to the affected area.
In some cases, eating Caucasian persimmon is fraught with harmful consequences:
- burning sensation;
- stomach ache;
- constipation or, conversely, diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting (use in large quantities).
Contraindications for use
In some cases, the use of Caucasian persimmon should be completely eliminated or limited. It is not recommended to include fruits in the diet under the following pathological conditions:
- erosive gastritis;
- ulcer;
- operations on the stomach or intestines;
- adhesive disease;
- chronic constipation (especially in old age);
- diabetes (type 1);
- pregnancy and lactation (with restrictions);
- children under three years of age;
- individual intolerance to certain substances.
Features of growing wild Caucasian persimmon
This tree is characterized by increased winter hardiness, so it can be grown in the climatic conditions of the Krasnodar Territory, the North Caucasus and Crimea. Persimmon grows well even on depleted lands, so it is enough for it to provide the minimum conditions:
- watering;
- rare feeding;
- well-lit area;
- not too wet soil (not in a lowland).
You can grow wild persimmons in your own garden
The yield of mature trees reaches 100 kg. Despite the small size of the fruits, they can be collected quite a lot and used for homemade preparations or sent for processing.
Planting Caucasian persimmon seedlings
Wild Caucasian persimmon can be propagated by cuttings or grown from seeds. In the first case, at the beginning of summer, take several green branches 20 cm long (with three internodes) and proceed as follows:
- Make an oblique lower and straight upper cut.
- Place overnight in a solution of “Heteroauxin” or another growth stimulator.
- Plant in fertile, moist soil with plenty of sand (deep to 3 cm).
- Cover with film or bottles.
- Water periodically.
- Two weeks after planting, liquid manure or other organic matter is added. At the same time, remove the film.
- For the winter they mulch with spruce branches, sawdust, straw and other materials.
- The following spring, Caucasian persimmon seedlings are transferred to a permanent place. The area should be illuminated, protected from winds, with light, fertile soil (although the tree grows normally on depleted soil).
At the bottom of the planting hole, it is necessary to fill a layer of expanded clay, broken bricks and other small stones 10–15 cm high.
Growing Caucasian persimmon from seed
You can grow Caucasian persimmon from a seed. It is planted in the fall, after the fruits ripen. You need to act this way:
- Remove the seed from the fruit and rinse it thoroughly to remove any remaining pulp.
- Place for several hours in a solution of “Heteroauxin” or another growth stimulator.
- Plant in a pot with fertile, loose soil.
- Cover with film and place in a warm, shaded place.
- Water periodically using a spray bottle.
- Two weeks after the sprouts appear, dig up the seed and carefully remove the shell.
- Transplant into open ground in the spring, when there is no frost.
Caring for Caucasian persimmon
This plant does not require care, so the cultivation technology is quite simple. Young seedlings are watered weekly, and in drought conditions - twice a week. Mature trees are moistened only in hot weather, giving 2-3 buckets. After watering, the tree trunk circle is dug up, and weeding is carried out if necessary.
Even with minimal care, an adult tree produces up to 100 kg of fruit
If the soil is fertile, you do not need to apply fertilizer in the first four years after planting. Then they are given three times per season - in the spring, urea or ammonium nitrate (15-20 g per tree), during flowering and at the fruiting stage - superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulfate (30 g).
Another mandatory activity is pruning. It is carried out in early spring and late autumn. Remove dried, diseased, old, non-fruiting branches, and also form a crown. The plant is resistant to insects and other pests, so it is not necessary to treat it with drugs.
Conclusion
Caucasian persimmon is quite productive, so it can be grown for home use and industrial processing. The plant bears tasty fruits that are not inferior to cultivated varieties. They are used both for cooking and for medicinal purposes (along with leaves).
