Black Sapote, Black Persimmon, Chocolate Pudding Tree

Diospyros digyna Jacq.

die-OSS-per-us die-GYN-ah

Ebenaceae

Explanation of name: Diospyros means divine pear.  Digyna means “two women,” presumably a reference to the two-parted ovary.

Synonyms:  Diospyros obtusifolia Humb. & Bonpl. 

Natural range:   Mesoamerica

Recognition:   Black Sapote is essentially a persimmon.  Leaves elliptic, glossy, alternate.  Flowers small, near white.  Fruit the size of a tennis ball, greenish on the outside and dark-pulpy inside with flat seeds.  Some trees are strictly male (pollen-producing).

Diospyros kaki is the large Asian persimmon of grocery stores.  It can be grown in South Florida.

Diospyros discolor is the Philippine Velvet Apple, likewise grown a little in South Florida.

Diospyros montana is native to tropical Asia, and may be cultivated in South Florida.

Diospyros virginiana is the native persimmon, occurring wild in South Florida.

Landscape uses:   Large attractive tree with novel edible fruits.  Fruits mature at various seasons, mostly in winter, and some trees summer-fruiting.  Soil tolerances are broad.  Fruits form at 5 or 6 years. Usually grown from seed. May be layered or grafted.  Fruits are eaten raw and are popular for custards and ice creams. 

Internet sources:  http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/black_sapote.html#Description

http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs305

http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/black_sapote.htm