Diospyros facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Diospyros |
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| Diospyros chloroxylon | |
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Diospyros
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450–500, see text |
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Cargillia R.Br. |
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Diospyros is a group of trees that includes about 450 to 500 different kinds, or species. These trees can be either deciduous (meaning they lose their leaves in certain seasons) or evergreen (meaning they keep their leaves all year round). Most Diospyros trees grow in warm, tropical places around the world. Only a few types are found in cooler, temperate areas.
You might know some Diospyros trees by their common names, like ebony or persimmon trees. The name Diospyros comes from ancient Greek words. "Dios" means "of Zeus" (a powerful Greek god), and "pyros" means "grain" or "fruit." This name was first used for a tree called the Caucasian Persimmon.
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What are Diospyros Trees?
Diospyros trees belong to the Ebenaceae family. This family is known for producing valuable wood and tasty fruits. These trees are found all over the world, especially in warm, humid climates.
Ebony Trees
Many Diospyros species are famous for their wood, known as ebony. Ebony wood is very dense and dark, often black. It is also very hard and strong. Because of these qualities, ebony wood has been used for centuries. People use it to make musical instruments, like parts of pianos or guitars. It is also popular for fancy furniture and small carvings.
Persimmon Trees
Other Diospyros species are well-known for their delicious fruits, called persimmons. Persimmon fruits can be orange, red, or yellow. They often look a bit like a tomato. Some persimmons are sweet and can be eaten fresh. Others are more tart and are often used in cooking, like in pies or jams.
Types of Persimmons
There are many kinds of persimmons. The American Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) grows in North America. Its fruit is sweet when fully ripe. The Japanese Persimmon (Diospyros kaki) is another popular type. It is widely grown in Asia and other parts of the world.
Where Diospyros Trees Grow
Most Diospyros trees prefer warm, tropical regions. This includes places in Africa, Asia, and South America. They thrive in areas with plenty of sunlight and moisture. Some species, however, can grow in cooler, temperate zones. These are often the ones that produce the persimmon fruits we eat.
Images for kids
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Ebony jivari of a sitar
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Diospyros buxifolia leaves
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Diospyros celebica wood
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Gold apple (D. decandra) fruit
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Diospyros discolor in Central Luzon, Philippines
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Diospyros geminata foliage and young fruit
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Diospyros revaughanii in Mauritius
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Diospyros virginiana in Tampa, Florida
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Diospyros whyteana twig with young fruit
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Diospyros eriantha foliage
See also
In Spanish: Diospyros para niños
