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TreeCultivatedPerennialMedicinal

Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel.

Gaab
Synonym: Diospyros peregrina (Gaertn.) Gürke

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Description

Diospyros malabarica is a medium-sized to large evergreen tree, usually 10–25 m tall, with a straight trunk and dense rounded crown. Bark is greyish-brown, often rough with age. Young branches are smooth and glabrous. Leaves are simple, alternate, leathery, elliptic to oblong-lanceolate, 8–20 cm long, with entire margins, a pointed or rounded apex, and a glossy dark green upper surface. Leaves are arranged densely along branches. Flowers are unisexual, creamy-white to yellowish, fragrant, and borne in axillary clusters. The species is generally dioecious, with male and female flowers occurring on separate trees. Male flowers are smaller and clustered, while female flowers are solitary or few-flowered. Fruits are large, fleshy berries, globose to ovoid, initially green and turning yellowish-brown when mature. The fruit contains several hard, brown seeds enclosed in pulp.

Diagnostic Characters

Vegetative
Evergreen tree with dense dark-green foliage. Leaves thick, leathery, glossy, and entire. Belongs to the ebony family (Ebenaceae).
Floral
Small cream-colored fragrant flowers. Male and female flowers usually on separate plants.
Fruit & Seed
Large fleshy berry resembling a persimmon. Persistent calyx often remains attached at the fruit base.

Distribution

Native range: Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia.

In Pakistan: Found in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and parts of Pakistan. In Pakistan, mainly cultivated in gardens, botanical collections, and humid regions.

Phenology

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Flowering
Fruiting
Flowering: February–April Fruiting: May–August

Ethnobotany & Uses

Medicinal Importance
Different plant parts are traditionally used in South Asian medicine Bark, Used as an astringent. Traditionally applied for diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding disorders. Fruits. Used for digestive problems. Unripe fruits contain tannins and possess astringent properties. Seeds. Traditionally used in some preparations for gastrointestinal ailments.
Food Uses
Ripe fruits are edible but are less commonly consumed compared with cultivated persimmons. Fruits are sometimes processed into preserves and traditional products.
Timber Uses
Wood is hard, heavy, and durable. Used locally for Agricultural tools, Small construction materials, Furniture and handicrafts.
Ecological Importance
Provides habitat and food resources for birds and insects. Important component of tropical forest ecosystems.
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Where it grows on campus

South Campus10North-North-West Campus9North-East Campus2
21
individuals mapped across 3 zones
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Taxonomic Notes

Diospyros malabarica belongs to the family Ebenaceae, the same family that includes the true ebony trees (Diospyros ebenum) and persimmons. It is recognized by its evergreen habit, leathery leaves, dioecious flowers, and large fleshy berry fruits.