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Almost everyone has probably tried persimmon. But few have seen trees in their natural habitat or even on a plantation. In nature, persimmon grows exclusively in the tropics and subtropics and looks very “monumental” and unusual. Under certain conditions, the crop can be harvested in Russia. The tree also successfully adapts in “captivity”: apartments, winter gardens.
What does a persimmon tree look like?
Persimmon (Diospyros) is a genus of evergreen or deciduous plants of the Ebenaceae family. In total there are about 700 of its representatives, widespread - about 200. A characteristic feature is the presence of endemic species with a very limited habitat.
The genus includes both trees and shrubs. But the most common cultivated species with edible fruits (eastern, Virginia and common) are trees.
The average height of persimmon in nature is 12-14 m. Some “aged” specimens stretch up to 25-30 m.If it grows on plantations, for ease of care and harvesting, the height is limited to 7-8 m. “Home” specimens can be called “dwarf” (1.5-2 m).
The crown is sparse, as if “ragged”, very spreading. Its diameter is almost the same as the height of the tree. The trunk and shoots are quite thin, fragile, covered with dark gray bark. With age, the branches gradually droop. Even from the photo of the plant it is obvious that persimmon looks very exotic and impressive.
The longer a tree grows in nature, the more intertwined the shoots become and the more intensively they branch.
The leaves are 7-8 cm long, smooth and leathery to the touch, arranged alternately. The front side is a rich, dense green hue, glossy, with clearly visible veins. The inside is much lighter.
The leaves darken as the shoot grows - when they first open, the front side is yellow-green, lime green
The shape of the leaves can be oval, heart-shaped, or ovoid, the tip is always pointed. In deciduous species, they change color to reddish-orange-yellow and fall off quite early, when fruits are still growing on the tree.
Is persimmon a fruit, berry or vegetable?
Most people call persimmons a fruit, although botanists classify them as berries. The fruit that grows on this tree meets all the characteristics mentioned in the official definition:
- "many seeds";
- thin skin that does not need to be peeled before eating;
- juicy, fleshy pulp.
The “everyday” classification of a berry as a fruit is easily explained by the fact that it is a fairly large fruit that grows on a tree. And sometimes it is even called a vegetable, given its external resemblance to tomatoes.
Is persimmon a bush or tree?
“Wild” persimmons that grow in their natural habitat are almost always a tree. But individual specimens “degenerate”, turning into shrubs, when cultivated in a climate unsuitable for the plant. This is how they react to regular freezing.
In most cases, it is impossible to mistake a plant for a bush
Features of persimmon fruits
The weight of the fruits varies from 80-100 to 200-250 g with a diameter of 8-10 cm. As a rule, those that grow in natural conditions are noticeably smaller in size than the varieties and hybrids bred by breeders.
The shape can be almost spherical, noticeably flattened, or ovoid with a pointed tip. The skin is thin, colored in different shades of yellow-orange, less often red and brownish. In most varieties and hybrids it is smooth, covered with a thin layer of bluish “waxy” coating. But there are also “velvety” specimens.
Professional tasters characterize the taste of the fruit as something between a date and a plum.
The pulp is very juicy and tender, with a gelatinous, jelly-like or even “marmalade” consistency. The color is usually orange-yellow or brick. The taste is unique - sweet, but at the same time astringent, with a spicy aftertaste.
4-10 large, flat, brown seeds are “hidden” in the persimmon pulp
In what conditions and countries does persimmon grow?
The plant's homeland is considered to be subtropical forests in southeast Asia (Indomalayan zone). It was first “domesticated” in China, more than 2000 years ago. From there, the tree was “exported” to Japan relatively quickly. Europe became acquainted with it much later - in the middle of the 17th century. The first specimens were brought from Asia to the British Empire. It is believed that some of those trees still grow there today.
Now persimmon is actively cultivated on an industrial scale not only in Asia, but also in Europe, America, Africa, and Australia. Among the leading exporters:
- China;
- Thailand;
- Malaysia;
- Japan;
- India;
- South Korea;
- Philippines;
- Sri Lanka;
- Iran;
- Türkiye;
- Italy;
- Spain;
- New Zealand;
- Brazil;
- Mexico;
- SOUTH AFRICA.
Mostly Turkish and Chinese persimmons are imported to Russia
Where do persimmons grow in Russia?
Persimmon came to the Russian Empire at the end of the 19th century (1889) from France. The first specimens of the tree were planted in Sukhumi and successfully took root there. Now in Russia, persimmon grows in the North Caucasus region, Krasnodar Territory and Crimea.
In the Nikitsky Botanical Garden, early ripening, frost-resistant varieties have been bred that can survive and bear fruit even in the Central region (Belgorod, Lipetsk, Kursk, Voronezh regions). The most common of them are Rossiyanka and Nikitskaya Burgundy.They were obtained by crossing natural species - Virginia and Caucasian (common). However, persimmons are not very popular among gardeners; photos of the trees that grow there are published only by a few “enthusiasts” and “exotic lovers.”
Russian persimmon varieties lose their astringency only after the first frost
How does persimmon grow?
If persimmon grows in optimal or close to optimal conditions, it is unpretentious in care. The trees are extremely rarely affected by diseases and pests and are distinguished by abundant annual fruiting.
How persimmon grows in nature
Under natural conditions, persimmon grows in humid subtropical forests in light “openwork” partial shade. She prefers a loose, well-drained, fairly fertile substrate.
Persimmon also grows in relatively open places, well lit and warmed by the sun, but only if there is protection from the cold wind. The tree tolerates short-term drought relatively easily, but the yield inevitably suffers, as does the quality of the fruit.
Persimmons definitely won’t “settle” in saline soil, on pebbles, rocky hillsides, swamps and other places where water stagnates.
How to grow persimmon at home
At home, persimmons grow successfully from seeds. Their germination rate is very good - about 90%. The microclimate of modern apartments suits her quite well.
Seeds are extracted from berries in the fall; if they are stratified in winter, seedlings will appear by mid-March. They grow quite slowly, reaching a height of 10-12 cm in about two years. By this time, the seedlings can be transplanted into pots of larger diameter. With quality care, the first harvest is harvested from them 5-6 years after emergence.
In captivity, the height is limited to 1.5-2 m, with regular sanitary and formative pruning - this procedure allows you to turn the persimmon into a shrub or standard tree. Its root system is powerful, actively growing both in depth and in breadth, so it will require a large tub or container.
The tree develops slowly and does not need frequent replanting.
At home, persimmon grows best if placed in a warm place, providing diffused lighting, 10-12 hours of daylight and a temperature of 24-27 °C. The absence of drafts and the quality of the substrate are very important (the tree does not tolerate even slightly alkaline pH). The soil must be neutral or slightly acidic.
“Home” persimmons bloom later than those that grow in open ground – in June-July. Fruit ovaries form closer to autumn and continue to ripen when the tree has completely lost its leaves. If you want to wait for the harvest, keep it in a cool, bright place during the dormant period. Specimens that do not bear fruit can “overwinter” in the dark.
Caring for the plant at home is easy. It includes regular moderate watering and fertilizing.
How long does a persimmon grow?
In their natural habitat, there are specimens that grow for 400-500 years.There is no data yet regarding how long persimmon can “live” on plantations and at home, but there is reason to say that with quality care and in a suitable climate, it can also grow and bear fruit for a very long time.
Persimmon, like many other trees in the Ebony family, is a real long-liver
Persimmon blossom
The exact timing of persimmon flowering depends on where exactly it grows and what variety it is. It mainly occurs in April-May and lasts for 40-45 days. It takes 7-8 months for the crop to ripen.
The vast majority of natural varieties and varieties and hybrids bred by breeders are dioecious plants with male and female flowers. They bear fruit only through cross-pollination by insects, if one male tree grows next to 5-10 female ones. In isolated cases, ovaries appear on them “spontaneously,” but such fruits have no seeds and are almost tasteless.
Self-fertile persimmon - an exception to the rule
Both types of flowers are axillary. The female ones are larger, grow singly, and open into a “cup” with four widely bent petals. Male ones are small, collected in loose “tassels” or “panicles” of 3-5 pieces, similar to bells. The petals are a dull greenish-pink-cream shade.
Flowering persimmon, unlike fruiting, is not the most attractive sight
Conclusion
Contrary to popular belief, persimmons grow not only in the tropics and subtropics. Some varieties are able to adapt and bear fruit even in Russia. They also take root successfully at home.The tree in its natural habitat looks original and exotic, is distinguished by its “large size” and a very long productive life.
