Ebony, Ceylon Ebony, Mauritius Ebony, Ebony Persimmon

Diospyros ebenum

Physical Characteristics

Diospyros ebenum is an evergreen Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10 and is frost tender. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. Gummy and astringent[303]. The edible fruits are eaten only in times of famine[ 317 ].

Medicinal Uses

Lithontripic Skin The edible fruits have medicinal properties as attenuant and lithontripic[ 317 ]. The pounded bark and leaves are employed as a blistering plaster[ 345 ].

Known Hazards

The fruits are used as a fish poison[ 303 ].