Indian Persimmon, commonly known as Malabar Ebony or Gaab, is a tropical tree belonging to the Ebenaceae family.
Indian persimmon fruit 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.
- Origin: India, Bangladesh
- Common names: Indian Persimmon, Malabar Ebony, Gaub Tree
- Scientific name: Diospyros malabarica
- Botanical family: Ebenaceae
- Edibility rating: 6/10
- Health Benefits: 6/10
Suitable climatic conditions and soil types:
It grows well in tropical and subtropical regions and prefers moist deciduous forests and near riverbanks.
Indian Persimmon grows best in warm and humid environments with temperatures between 20 and 35 degrees Celsius. 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. The recommended planting distance is 10-15 metres.
Water requirements:
Indian Persimmon needs regular watering during the growing season, especially during dry periods.
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.
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.
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.
