1 of 4

Ebenaceae Master Slides

Updated 02/07/2023

2 of 4

TOC

Diospyros virginiana 3

3 of 4

Diospyros virginiana, Ebenaceae

(American persimmon, common persimmon, persimmon)

Form: Medium to large tree, dioecious, may be shrubby in suboptimal conditions

Habitat: Mesic to dry-mesic forests, under- to midstory species

Leaves: Elliptical to oblong in shape, alternate arrangement, entire margin, acuminate to acute apex, rounded base, underside may have hairs

Leaf Scar: Vascular bundles look like a smiley face or crescent moon

Left photo by Jean-Pol Grandmont

Right photo by Fritz Flohr Reynolds

4 of 4

Diospyros virginiana, Ebenaceae

(American persimmon, common persimmon, persimmon)

Fruits: Large orange berry (edible) with yellow subtending bracts; round flat seeds, astringent skin

Flowers: Small, white urn-shaped

Bark: Dark, hard cobbles

Buds: Black, embricate

Top left photo by Katja Schultz

Bottom left photo by Brenda K. Loveless

Right photo by Mark Robinson