ITALIAN PERSIMMON, DATE PLUM Diospyros lotus
Diospyros lotus, with common names date-plum, Caucasian persimmon, or lilac persimmon, is a widely cultivated species of the genus Diospyros, native to subtropical southwest Asia and southeast Europe. Its English name derives from the small fruit, which have a taste reminiscent of both plums and dates. It is among the oldest plants in cultivation.
It is cultivated in the U.S. and North Africa. They often grow with hackberry, ash, maple and other deciduous species. It is not demanding on the soil and can grow on rocky slopes but requires a well lit environment.
This is a tree height of 15–30 m with sloughing of aging bark. Fruits are berries with juicy flesh, yellow when ripe, 2 cm in diameter.
Caucasian persimmon fruits are edible and contain much sugar, malic acid, and vitamins. They are used as fresh fruits or after frost, but usually dried. Drying and frost destroy their tartness.
Type: Hardy tree
Hardiness zones: 7-9
Location: Sun
Seeds per pack: 3
Germination: Surface sow in a pot. Water, and place in plastic, and in the fridge for 60 days for stratification. Then bring to warmth for them to germinate. Keep continually moist.
