Pronunciation:
Introduction
Diospyros texana, commonly known as the Texas persimmon, is a species of persimmon that is native to central and western Texas and southwestern Oklahoma in the United States, as well as to northeastern Mexico. It is also regionally known as Mexican persimmon, black persimmon, and chapote. The Texas persimmon is particularly noted for its striking dark bark and sweet, black fruit.
Classification
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Phylum: Angiosperms
- Class: Eudicots
- Order: Ericales
- Family: Ebenaceae
- Genus: Diospyros
- Species: D. texana
Description
Diospyros texana is a deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree that is known for its hardiness and drought resistance. It is not typically considered an ornamental plant but is valued in native plant gardens and for wildlife habitat restoration. It is not commercially valuable in a traditional sense, nor is it considered invasive or problematic.
Size
The Texas persimmon can grow to be 15 to 35 feet tall, with a spread of 8 to 15 feet. It has a slow to moderate growth rate.
Leaves
The leaves of D. texana are simple, leathery, and oval-shaped with smooth margins. They are typically 1 to 2 inches long and are dark green on the upper surface and paler underneath.
Flower
The flowers of the Texas persimmon are small, white, and bell-shaped, appearing in the late spring. They are dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female.
Fruit
The fruit is a small, round berry, about 1 inch in diameter, that turns from yellow to a purple-black when ripe. It is sweet and edible, with a taste similar to the common persimmon (Diospyros virginiana).
Stem
The stem of the Texas persimmon is notable for its smooth, gray to black bark that often peels away in thin sheets. The trunk can become quite gnarled and picturesque with age.
Cultivation and Care
Planting
Plant D. texana in the fall or early spring. Choose a location with enough space for the tree to reach its full size.
Soil Preference
Texas persimmon prefers well-drained soils but is adaptable to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils.
Watering
Once established, D. texana is highly drought-tolerant and requires little additional watering.
Sun Requirements
This plant thrives in full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
Pruning
Prune to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased branches. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or a saw for larger branches.
Propagation
Propagation is typically done by seed, but it can also be propagated by cuttings or layering.
Health & Safety
The fruit of Diospyros texana is edible and not known to be toxic to humans, dogs, or cats. However, as with any plant, individual allergies or sensitivities can occur. The plant does not have thorns or spines, nor is it known to cause contact dermatitis or other skin irritations.
Pests and Problems
Texas persimmon is relatively pest-free. However, it can occasionally be affected by pests such as scale insects (Coccoidea) and whiteflies (Aleyrodidae), which can be managed with horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. Deer may browse the leaves and fruit, but the tree is generally quite resilient.
Caresheet Data
| Plant Name: | diospyros texana |
|---|---|
| Etymology: | Diospyros: From Greek “dios” (divine) + “pyros” (grain or wheat), meaning “divine fruit” or “fruit of the gods”. Texana: Refers to Texas, the region where the species is commonly found. |
| Common Name: | Texas Persimmon |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Species: | texana |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Height: | 12-36 in / 1-3 ft / 30.5-91.4 cm / 0.3-0.9 m |
|---|---|
| Width and Spread: | Width: 15-25 ft / 4.5-7.6 m / 180-300 in / 457-762 cm Spread: 15-25 ft / 4.5-7.6 m / 180-300 in / 457-762 cm |
| Plant Type: | Common Name: Texas Persimmon Family: Ebenaceae Native Range: Southwestern United States, Northern Mexico Growth Habit: Small deciduous or semi-evergreen tree Height: 10-35 feet Flower Color: White to cream Bloom Time: Spring to early summer Fruit Type: Berry |
| Habit/Form: | Small tree or shrub |
| Leaf Type: | Simple, alternate, leathery, ovate to elliptical |
| Leaf Arrangement: | Alternate |
| Leaf Shape: | Ovate to elliptical |
| Leaf Margin: | Entire |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Fragrance: | Yes; sweet, fruity fragrance |
| Stem Description: | Slender, gray to brown, often zigzagging |
| Stem Is Aromatic: | No |
| Texture: | Smooth to slightly rough |
| Leaf Feel: | Smooth and leathery |
| Leaf Length: | 5-11 cm |
| Leaf Description: | Simple, alternate, leathery, ovate to elliptical, 1-2 inches long, smooth margins, dark green above, paler beneath. |
| Hairs Present: | No |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade |
|---|---|
| Soil Preference: | Well-drained, limestone-based, sandy, loamy, clay, acidic, alkaline. |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; drought tolerant once established |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Well-drained soil with occasional application of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Prune to remove dead or crossing branches; minimal pruning required. |
| Seed Germination Time: | 14-30 days |
| Display/Harvest Time: | June to August |
| Fruit/Seed Production: | Fruit production |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to moderate |
| Growth Habit: | Small tree or shrub |
| Root System Type: | Taproot system |
| Fruit Type: | Persimmon |
|---|---|
| Fruit Description: | Oval, 1-2 cm long, yellow-orange to reddish-brown when ripe, containing 1-8 seeds. |
| Flower Color: | White to cream |
| Flower Shape: | Urn-shaped |
| Flower Inflorescence: | Diospyros texana has small, axillary, bell-shaped, white to cream-colored flowers. Male and female flowers are typically on separate trees (dioecious). |
| Flowering Season: | Spring to early summer |
| Bloom Duration: | April to May |
| Drought Tolerance: | High |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | -10°C (14°F) |
| Heat Tolerance: | High |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Shade Tolerance: | Moderate shade tolerance |
| Salt Tolerance: | Moderate |
| Soil Compaction Tolerance: | Low |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | 7-9 |
| Photoperiod Sensitivity: | Not photoperiod sensitive |
| Pollinator Attraction: | Yes; bees, butterflies, and moths. |
|---|---|
| Wildlife Value: | Provides food for wildlife such as birds and mammals through its fruit; offers cover and nesting sites. |
| Problematic Insects: | Flatheaded borers (Buprestidae), scale insects (Coccoidea), spider mites (Tetranychidae) |
| Allelopathic Properties: | No |
| Habitat Enhancement: | Provides food and shelter for wildlife; hosts pollinators; stabilizes soil with root system. |
| Erosion Control Potential: | Low |
| Landscape Location: | Xeriscape gardens, native plant landscapes, dry areas |
| Landscape Theme: | Xeriscape, Native Plant Garden, Wildlife Garden, Drought-Tolerant Landscaping |
| Design Feature: | Yes, Diospyros texana (Texas persimmon) is used in landscape design for ornamental purposes, as a drought-tolerant native species, for its attractive bark, foliage, and edible fruit. |
| Ethnobotanical Significance: | Diospyros texana, commonly known as Texas persimmon, is used by indigenous peoples for food, as the black, sweet fruits are edible. The wood is hard and dense, making it suitable for tool handles. The tree’s bark was traditionally used for medicinal purposes. |
| Naturalization Ability: | Moderate |
| Companion Planting Suitability: | Compatible with Agave spp., Yucca spp., Opuntia spp., Prosopis glandulosa, Acacia spp., Bouteloua spp. |
| Edibility: | Yes |
|---|---|
| Edible Parts: | Fruit |
| Toxicity: | No |
| Poison Parts of Plant: | nan |
| Toxic to Humans: | No |
| Toxic to Cats: | No. |
| Toxic to Dogs: | No |
| Causes Contact Dermatitis: | No known evidence of Diospyros texana causing contact dermatitis. |
| Air Purification Qualities: | Not established |
| Medicinal Properties: | Antioxidant, antimicrobial |
| Thorniness or Spikiness: | No |
Sources and Additional Reading
- Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana) · iNaturalist (www.inaturalist.org)
- Diospyros texana – Wikiwand (www.wikiwand.com)
- Diospyros texana Scheele – GBIF (www.gbif.org)
- Diospyros Species, Black Persimmon, Chapote, Texas Persimmon (davesgarden.com)
- Diospyros texana – Wikispecies (species.wikimedia.org)
- USDA Plants Database (plants.usda.gov)
