Persimmons

Persimmons (Diospyros kaki) are outstanding trees for the backyard, and deserve to be much more popular in Australian gardens. They have been cultivated for centuries in China and Japan, and although they are believed to have been derived from a wild species, they are unknown as wild plants. In China there are now over 240 known varieties.

Persimmons are deciduous trees, often with a twisted trunk and a thick, well-branched canopy. In autumn their leaves turn a magnificent deep orange, through to burgundy or purple. The fruit is large and a deep orange or red colour when ripe. Both astringent and non-astringent varieties are available. The fruit of astringent varieties (such as 'Hachiya', also known as 'Nightingale Seedless') contain water-soluble tannins which give it a bitter taste. It needs to be eaten when it's soft and mushy, almost like jam. Non-astringent varieties (such as 'Fuyu') are crisp and sweet, and can be eaten straight from the tree.

Most of the varieties grown in Australia are Japanese. They are suited to areas with mild summers and winters, and like an open, sunny position. Plant young trees when dormant, taking care not to damage the tap root. Encourage your tree to develop a straight trunk to about 2m (6'), above which the rounded crown may then be left to develop. Some varieties require cross-pollination to produce fruit, so if you're only planting one tree, be sure to choose a self-fruiting variety.

Availability

Persimmons are available from specialist fruit tree nurseries, or order from your local nursery or garden centre. Costs range from $22-$36 for 5 litre bags or 250mm pots. Bare rooted trees are available in June and July.

Further reading

'The Garden Plants of China' by Peter Valder. Published by Florilegium, 1999, ISBN 1876314028, rrp $88. Available from bookshops or from Florilegium, phone: (02) 9571 8222.

Copyright CTC Productions 2002