Indian Persimmon, Gaub, Timbiri, Mountain ebony

Diospyros malabarica

Basic Information

Family: Ebenaceae

Genus: diospyros

Plant ID (slug): diospyros-malabarica

Numeric ID: 20270

USDA Hardiness: 10-12

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Diospyros malabarica is an evergreen Tree growing to 35 m (114ft) by 25 m (82ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitats

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Edible Uses: Gum Fully ripe fruits - raw[ 325 ]. Edible, but usually not very palatable[ 317 ]. A sweet flavour[ 325 ]. The round, yellowish green berry is 2 - 5cm in diameter with up to 6 seeds in the soft pulp[ 325 ]. When less than fully ripe the fruit can contain large quantities of tannin and are very astringent[ K ].

Medicinal Uses

Anthelmintic Antibacterial Antibilious Antidiarrhoeal Antidote Astringent Demulcent Dysentery Febrifuge Leprosy Skin The bark, leaves, flowers and fruits are much used in Ayurvedic medicine[ 317 ]. The fruit, when unripe, is said to be cold, light, and astringent; and to possesses anti-bacterial and anthelmintic activity[ 317 , 555 ]. It is used externally to heal sores and wounds[ 555 ]. When ripe, the fruit is beneficial in treating diarrhoea and dysentery; blood diseases; gonorrhoea and leprosy[ 317 ]. The fruit is also said to break fever, to be an antidote for snake poisoning, and to be demulcent[ 555 ]. The juice of the fresh bark is useful in the treatment of bilious fevers. Externally, the bark is said to be a good application for treating boils and tumours. The medicinal properties of the plant are most likely due to the presence of tannins[ 555 ]. The seeds are used as a treatment for diarrhoea and chronic dysentery[ 325 ]. The oil extracted from the seeds is used medicinally[ 146 ]..