Diospyros lotus

Plant Details

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General Information

Scientific name: Diospyros lotus

Also known as: Date Plum

Images: Google Images

Plant Properties

Layer: Fruit tree

Format: -

Height: 9.00 m

Width: 6.00 m

Growth Rate: Moderate

Leaf: Deciduous

Growth conditions

USDA Hardiness: 7-9

Soil Moisture:
Moist

Soil:
Sand (light) Loam (medium) Clay (heavy)

pH:
Acid Neutral Basic

Light:
Half shade, Sun

Usage properties

Edible part:
Fruit

Edibility:
(5)

Medicinal:
(1)

Features:
Wood

Description

Fruit - raw or cooked. The taste of the fruit is deliciously rich when it is fully ripe (almost overripe), but earlier it is very hard and astringent. In a cool summer, the fruit may not ripen well, but when it becomes slightly soft, it usually develops a very good flavor. The fruit can be dried, which gives it a date-like taste. The fruit can also be harvested in the autumn, preferably after a frost and bletted (softened to promote ripening). The fruit ripens on the tree in a fairly sunny spot in Kew in most years and produces fertile seeds. The fruit contains about 1.9% protein, 0.2% fat, 47.7% carbohydrates, and 1% ash. The fruits are approximately the size of a large cherry and change color from yellow to blue-black as they ripen. They are about 20 mm in diameter.

Harvest Data

Start Harvest: 15/10

End of Harvest: 15/11

Crown Data

Crown Type: Breed piramidaal

Crown Density: Dichte kroon

Guilds

Guild Information

Click on a plant in the diagram for more information.

Guild Details

Guild	Description
Cydonia oblonga Quince	Cydonia oblonga can improve soil quality and attract beneficial insects to pollinate the Diospyros lotus.
Prunus cerasus Sour cherry	Prunus cerasus provides shade, helping to reduce heat stress on Diospyros lotus.
Prunus domestica Plum	Prunus domestica serves as a pollinator and offers protection from wind and harsh weather, benefiting Diospyros lotus.
Corylus avellana Hazel	Corylus avellana provides ground cover, helping to retain moisture and suppress weeds around Diospyros lotus.
Malus domestica Apple	Malus domestica can provide habitat for beneficial insects that help control pests which may affect Diospyros lotus.
Prunus avium Sweet cherry	Prunus avium attracts pollinators, which can improve the fruit set of Diospyros lotus.
Quercus robur English oak	Quercus robur offers shade and helps improve soil quality through leaf litter, benefitting Diospyros lotus.
Ribes nigrum Blackcurrant	Ribes nigrum can improve the ecosystem balance around Diospyros lotus by attracting beneficial insects.
Sambucus nigra European elder	Sambucus nigra can be used as a companion to increase the biodiversity and resilience around Diospyros lotus.
Thymus vulgaris Common Thyme, Garden thyme, Wild Thyme	Thymus vulgaris can repel pests, thus protecting Diospyros lotus from potential infestations.