Diospyros kaki, commonly known as Japanese Persimmon or Kaki, is a deciduous tree native to East Asia, specifically China, Taiwan, and Japan, where it thrives in a variety of habitats including forest margins, open woodlands, and hillsides. It typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters) and a width of 20-30 feet (6-9 meters). The tree is known for its attractive glossy green leaves and its striking orange-yellow fruit, which is edible and ripens in the late fall. The flowers are yellow-white and not particularly showy, blooming in the late spring to early summer. Japanese Persimmon is valued for its delicious fruit, ornamental beauty, and ease of maintenance.

This species is widely cultivated for its sweet, astringent fruit which is enjoyed fresh, dried, or cooked. It is also planted as an ornamental tree in gardens and urban landscapes for its attractive foliage and fruit. Japanese Persimmon prefers full sun to part shade and adapts to a range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils, provided they are well-drained. It requires medium amounts of water and is relatively drought-tolerant once established. Popular garden cultivars include ’Fuyu’ and ’Hachiya’, which are prized for their fruit quality. Potential problems include pests such as persimmon psyllid and diseases like leaf spot and canker. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range but should be monitored to ensure it does not become a problem.CC BY-SA 4.0