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Description
Diospyros Eriantha, commonly known as the Indian persimmon or gaub fruit, is a small to medium-sized tree that belongs to the Ebenaceae family. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. The tree produces small, round, and orange-colored fruits that are edible and have a sweet and sour taste. The fruits are highly valued for their medicinal properties and are used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain| Kingdom| Phylum| Class| Order| Family| Genus||————|———–|———–|———–|———–|————-|—————|| Eukaryota| Plantae| Tracheophyta | Magnoliopsida | Ericales | Ebenaceae | Diospyros |
Appearance
Diospyros Eriantha is a slow-growing tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. The tree has a dense crown with a spread of 5 to 8 meters. The bark of the tree is grayish-brown and rough. The leaves are simple, alternate, and glossy green with a length of 5 to 12 centimeters. The flowers are small, white, and appear in clusters. The fruits are round, orange-colored, and have a diameter of 2 to 4 centimeters. The fruit has a hard, woody texture and contains several black seeds.
Care Guide
Water: The tree requires regular watering during the growing season. It prefers well-drained soil and does not tolerate water-logged conditions.Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: Diospyros Eriantha grows best in well-drained and fertile soil. It prefers a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.Sunlight: The tree prefers full sunlight but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The tree can grow in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12.
Common Pests & Diseases
Diospyros Eriantha is relatively pest and disease-resistant. However, it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as leaf spot and anthracnose. Pests such as mealybugs and scales can also infest the tree.
Habitat
Diospyros Eriantha is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated in India, Sri Lanka, and Malaysia. The tree grows in tropical and subtropical climates, and it prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for Diospyros Eriantha to produce fruit?A: The tree typically starts producing fruit after 5 to 6 years of growth.Q: Can Diospyros Eriantha be grown in containers?A: Yes, the tree can be grown in containers, but it requires regular pruning and fertilization.Q: Is the fruit of Diospyros Eriantha edible?A: Yes, the fruit is edible and has a sweet and sour taste.Q: What are the medicinal properties of Diospyros Eriantha?A: The fruit of Diospyros Eriantha is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer properties.
Related Plants
- Diospyros Blancoi
- Diospyros Celebica
- Diospyros Conzattii
- Diospyros Kurzii
References
- Biju, V. C., & Balachandran, I. (2017). Diospyros eriantha Roxb. ex DC. (Ebenaceae): A valuable medicinal plant of India. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 6(1), 734-739.
- Shanmugam, S., Subramanian, S. P., & Perumal, G. (2015). Nutritional and medicinal properties of Diospyros eriantha fruit. Journal of Food Science and Technology, 52(5), 2787-2793.
