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Diospyros nigra (J.F.Gmel.) Perr.
| Family Name: | Ebenaceae |
| Synonyms: | Diospyros digyna Jacq. |
| Common Name: | Black sapote, Back persimmon, Zapote prieto |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Medium (16m-30m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Maximum Height | 25 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Mexico, Central America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Tree up to 25 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | The leathery leaves are about 10-30 cm long and elliptic-oblong to lanceolate-shaped. They are arranged alternately. |
| Flowers | The white flowers are borne in the leaf axils and about 1-1.6 cm in diameter. |
| Fruit | Fruits are round or oblate and about 5-15 cm in diameter. Fruit skin is green when unripe and becomes muddy-green when fully ripe. The pulp of mature fruit is brown to almost dark, with a texture similar to chocolate puddings. |
| Cultivation | Trees adapt to a wide range of soil types and do well in moist, well-drained sandy loam soils. They can tolerate mild flooding but sensitive to drought. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits Food (Fruit or Vegetable): Mature fruits are consumed fresh or made into ice cream and desserts. They are also used in drinks and liqueurs. Others: Unripe fruits are astringent and inedible. They are used as fish poison in the Philippines. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Riverine |
|---|
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Grafting |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Leathery |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 32678 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 7090 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
