Diospyros lotus – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

Show less

Native Continent

Asia-Temperate, Asia-Tropical

Asia-Temperate

Anhui Sheng, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Gansu Sheng, Georgia, Guizhou Sheng, Hebei Sheng, Henan Sheng, Hubei Sheng, Hunan Sheng, Jiangsu Sheng, Jiangxi Sheng, Korea, Liaoning Sheng, Shaanxi Sheng, Shandong Sheng, Shanxi Sheng, Sichuan Sheng, Tajikistan, Turkey (east), Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Xizang Zizhiqu, Yunnan Sheng, Zhejiang Sheng,Iran (north)

Asia-Tropical

Nepal, Pakistan (north),

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit has an exquisitely rich flavour when it is fully ripe (almost at the point of going bad), but it is very harsh and astringent before then. The fruit may not ripen properly in a cool summer, though if it is frosted it normally develops a very good flavour. The fruit can be dried, when it acquires a date-like flavour. The fruit can also be harvested in the autumn, preferably after a frost, and bletted. (This is a process where the fruit is kept in a cool place and only eaten when it is very soft and almost at the point of going rotten). The fruit of trees in a fairly sunny position at Kew ripens on the tree in most years and produces fertile seed. The fruit contains about 1.9% protein, 0.2% fat, 47.7% carbohydrate, 1% ash. Fruits are about the size of a large cherry, they turn from yellow to blue-black when fully ripe. The fruit is about 20mm in diameter.