Status:
valid
Authors:
(Harv.) Brenan
Source:
wcs
Year:
1954
Citation Micro:
Mem. New York Bot. Gard. 8: 500 (1954)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000649390
Common Names
- Natal Ebony
- Natal Date Plum
- Natal Persimmon
Synonyms
- Maba natalensis Harv. [unknown]
- Ebenus natalensis (Harv.) Kuntze [unknown]
Description
Diospyros natalensis (also called Natal Ebony, among many other common names) is a medium-sized evergreen tree native to India and Sri Lanka. It has a rounded crown and a short trunk, with dark green, glossy leaves and small, white flowers. It grows in tropical and subtropical forests, as well as in disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Diospyros natalensis is used for its timber and for medicinal purposes. It is also used as an ornamental plant.
Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species
Diospyros natalensis sub. nummularia (Brenan) Jordaan
Diospyros natalensis sub. natalensis
Diospyros natalensis sub. nummularia (Brenan) F.White
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Diospyros natalensis is white, with five petals and a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, oval-shaped drupe. The seedlings are small, with green leaves and a white stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Diospyros natalensis is a slow-growing, evergreen tree that can reach up to 20 feet in height. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is drought-tolerant once established. Propagation is by seed. Plant the seeds in a well-draining soil mix and keep moist until germination. The seedlings should be transplanted to individual pots when they reach a height of about 6 inches.
Where to Find Diospyros natalensis
Diospyros natalensis is native to the tropical regions of South Africa. It is found in dry, rocky habitats.
Diospyros natalensis FAQ
What is the scientific name of Diospyros natalensis?
Diospyros natalensis
What is the common name of Diospyros natalensis?
Natal ebony
What type of tree is Diospyros natalensis?
Evergreen tree
Species in the Diospyros genus
Diospyros abyssinica,
Diospyros acapulcensis,
Diospyros acocksii,
Diospyros acris,
Diospyros aculeata,
Diospyros acuminata,
Diospyros acuta,
Diospyros addita,
Diospyros adenophora,
Diospyros adiensis,
Diospyros aequoris,
Diospyros affinis,
Diospyros aifatensis,
Diospyros alatella,
Diospyros albiflora,
Diospyros alboflavescens,
Diospyros alisu,
Diospyros alpina,
Diospyros amabi,
Diospyros amanap,
Diospyros amaniensis,
Diospyros amboinensis,
Diospyros analamerensis,
Diospyros andamanica,
Diospyros angulata,
Diospyros anisandra,
Diospyros anisocalyx,
Diospyros anitae,
Diospyros ankifiensis,
Diospyros anosivolensis,
Diospyros apeibocarpos,
Diospyros apiculata,
Diospyros areolata,
Diospyros areolifolia,
Diospyros argentea,
Diospyros armata,
Diospyros artanthifolia,
Diospyros arupaj,
Diospyros atrata,
Diospyros atrotricha,
Diospyros attenuata,
Diospyros aurea,
Diospyros australis,
Diospyros balansae,
Diospyros balfouriana,
Diospyros baloen-ldjoek,
Diospyros bambuseti,
Diospyros bangkana,
Diospyros bangoiensis,
Diospyros baranensis,
Species in the Ebenaceae family
Diospyros abyssinica,
Diospyros acapulcensis,
Diospyros acocksii,
Diospyros acris,
Diospyros aculeata,
Diospyros acuminata,
Diospyros acuta,
Diospyros addita,
Diospyros adenophora,
Diospyros adiensis,
Diospyros aequoris,
Diospyros affinis,
Diospyros aifatensis,
Diospyros alatella,
Diospyros albiflora,
Diospyros alboflavescens,
Diospyros alisu,
Diospyros alpina,
Diospyros amabi,
Diospyros amanap,
Diospyros amaniensis,
Diospyros amboinensis,
Diospyros analamerensis,
Diospyros andamanica,
Diospyros angulata,
Diospyros anisandra,
Diospyros anisocalyx,
Diospyros anitae,
Diospyros ankifiensis,
Diospyros anosivolensis,
Diospyros apeibocarpos,
Diospyros apiculata,
Diospyros areolata,
Diospyros areolifolia,
Diospyros argentea,
Diospyros armata,
Diospyros artanthifolia,
Diospyros arupaj,
Diospyros atrata,
Diospyros atrotricha,
Diospyros attenuata,
Diospyros aurea,
Diospyros australis,
Diospyros balansae,
Diospyros balfouriana,
Diospyros baloen-ldjoek,
Diospyros bambuseti,
Diospyros bangkana,
Diospyros bangoiensis,
Diospyros baranensis,