persimmon

Persimmon is the name given to the usually edible fruits of some species of the genus Diospyros. This genus includes various shrubs and trees native to the tropics and subtropical areas of the world. Persimmons are cultivated widely in Japan and China as ornamentals and for their fruits, some of which also produce a useful dye.

Any of a group of tropical trees belonging to the ebony family, especially the common persimmon (D. virginiana) of the southeastern USA. Growing up to 19 m/60 ft high, the persimmon has alternate oval leaves and yellow-green flowers. The small, sweet, orange fruits are edible. (Genus Diospyros, family Ebenaceae.)

The Japanese persimmon (D. kaki) has larger fruits and is widely cultivated.