Indian Persimmon

Indian Persimmon, commonly known as Malabar Ebony or Gaab, is a tropical tree belonging to the Ebenaceae family, native to India and Bangladesh

Origin and natural habitat:

Indian Persimmon is native to India and Southeast Asia and grows in tropical and subtropical regions. It grows well in moist deciduous forests and near riverbanks.

Suitable climatic conditions and soil types:

Indian Persimmon grows best in warm and humid environments with temperatures between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. It prefers well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter and have a pH between 5.5 and 7.5. It tolerates some salinity and adapts to different soil types, including sandy loam, clay loam and laterite.

Sunlight requirement:

Indian Persimmon grows best in full sun or partial shade.

Growing tips and planting distance:

Indian Persimmon can be propagated from seeds or stem cuttings. It's recommended to plant the seeds or seedlings in a well-drained soil mix, about 2-3 cm deep. The recommended planting distance is 10-15 metres.

Water requirements:

Indian Persimmon needs regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods. However, excessive watering can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Low maintenance:

Indian Persimmon is a low maintenance tree that requires little care once established. It can benefit from occasional pruning to maintain its shape and remove dead or diseased branches.

Fruit Description, taste, size and colour:

Indian Persimmon, also known as Indian persimmon, is round or oval, 2-4 cm in diameter and weighs 5-10 grammes. When ripe, it has a thin, greenish-brown skin that turns yellow or orange when ripe; inside is a soft, sweet flesh with an underlying bitterness.

Edible uses:

The fruit of Indian Persimmon can be eaten fresh or made into jams, jellies and other preserves. The flesh of this fruit is also good for flavouring desserts and drinks.

Medicinal use and nutritional value:

Indian Persimmon fruit is an excellent source of vitamin C, potassium and other important nutrients. It may also have several health benefits, such as improving digestion, stimulating the immune system and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

Pruning and growing in containers:

Pruning can help control the size and shape of the tree and encourage fruiting.  It has a large root system and so large sized containers needed for a terrace garden.