Plant Identification Learning Module:
Fruits & Nuts

Persimmon (Diospyros kaki)

This deciduous tree can grow to about 30 feet when mature. The broad, stiff leaves are alternateovate, dark green and shiny above, lighter below, and up to 7 inches in length. Leaf margins are often curled. The inconspicuous flowers surrounded by a green calyx, and may be white, cream-colored or pink-tinged. The persimmon fruit are round to oval, yellowish-green to orange or red in color, and may reach the size of a peach. Notice the dried calyx at the top of the fruit. This can help distinguish persimmons from apricots or tomatoes. They are sweet, slightly tart fruits with a soft to occasionally fibrous texture. Seeds are large, flat, dark and shiny, if present. Persimmons are grown throughout Florida.


Persimmon orchard in Sopchoppy, FL
Persimmons on branch
© 2007, Jack Scheper. Floridata.com

Foliage of Japanese persimmon tree
Japanese persimmon flowers
(cc) 2007, KENPEI. This photo is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.1 Japan.

A persimmon cut open
(cc) 2006, Olegiwik. This photo is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.5.