African ebony - Diospyros mespiliformis

Description and Uses

Diospyros mespiliformis (African ebony) is a tropical tree from Southern Africa. It is mainly grown for its timber crops (n/a shelflife), but also

can be produced. The crop is harvested by total removing.

. Medical uses include;

The contains ( - ). The tree`s wood is called African ebony wood (persimon) and has a density of 850 - 850 kg/m³. After 90 years the tree can be totally removed as it reached its commercial and ecological goal. Diospyros mespiliformis has a lifespan of 150 years.

---

Environmental limitations

The tree is 42 meters tall. It is very slow growing and tolerates not less light than partial shade. Diospyros mespiliformis has a deep root-system and forms symbiotic relations

(endo-mycorrhiza). It is not able to fix nitrogen. The tree`s flower-morphology is dioecious and is pollinated by bees.

Diospyros mespiliformis thrives in an altitude of 350 to 1250 meters above sea-level (tropical). The minimum temperature is 0°C and optimally between 16 - 27°C. The optimal rainfall is 1135 mm/year. Without irrigation the annual rainfall should be between 500 - 1270 mm (L/m²). The optimal soil-pH is between 6.0 - 7.0 in a soil texture of loam. To salt it is a bit tolerant to wind and to fire .

---

Pests and Diseases

and

diseases.

---

Seed Propagation

Seeds are orthodox and can be stored for 1 months. There are approximative 1550 seeds/kg. Unfortunately propagation instruction is missing.

---