Diospyros kaki

Kaki persimmon

Diospyros kaki, commonly known as the persimmon, is a versatile evergreen tree celebrated for its sweet, nutrient-dense fruit. Renowned in traditional medicine, its leaves and fruit offer potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and digestive benefits. This resilient species serves as both a delicious dietary staple and a natural therapeutic remedy.

  • Scientific name: Diospyros kaki
  • Family: Ebenaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, Diospyros kaki, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae and order Ericales, it is further categorized into the family Ebenaceae. Ultimately, it is placed under the genus Diospyros.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Ericales WCVP
Family Ebenaceae WCVP
Genus Diospyros WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Diospyros kaki, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Korean, it is called 감나무 (gamnamu), while in Polish, it is known as hurma wschodnia. In French, the plant is called plaqueminier, and it is identified as kakiondo in Basque. Additionally, in the map-bms language, it is commonly called kesemek.
Language Common Name Source
map-bms Kesemek Wikidata
eu Kakiondo Wikidata
pl Hurma wschodnia Wikidata
ko 감나무 Wikidata
fr plaqueminier Wikidata
he אפרסמון Wikidata
bjn Tasmak Wikidata
av Хурма Wikidata
hu datolyaszilva Wikidata
et Idadiospüür Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning across several distinct regions. In Southeastern Europe, its presence can be noted specifically within Bulgaria. The species also extends into the Caucasus region, particularly throughout the Transcaucasus area. Within China, it is found across diverse territories including China North-Central and China South-Central. Furthermore, its range reaches the southern island province of Hainan.

Region Area Source
Southeastern Europe Bulgaria WCVP
Caucasus Transcaucasus WCVP
China China South-Central WCVP
China Hainan WCVP
China China North-Central WCVP
China China Southeast WCVP
Eastern Asia Japan WCVP
Eastern Asia Korea WCVP
Eastern Asia Nansei-shoto WCVP
Eastern Asia Taiwan WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, known scientifically as Diospyros kaki, features various components that contribute to its botanical profile. The structure is supported by sturdy stalks that connect the foliage to the main stem. Its lush green leaves provide the primary surface area for photosynthesis, while the broader green leaves often showcase a vibrant texture. The fruit itself is a key feature, characterized by a protective peel that encases the nutrient-rich fruit pulp inside.
Total parts
6
Scientific sources
7
Plant Part Sources Confidence
leaves 2 ★☆☆☆☆
stalks 1 ★☆☆☆☆
peel 1 ★☆☆☆☆
green leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit pulp 1 ★☆☆☆☆
fruit 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Diospyros kaki has 50 reported phytochemicals identified across 52 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include polyphenols, quercetin, 3alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyurs-12,20(30)-dien-24,28-dioic acid, 3alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24,28-dioic acid, Chlorogenic acid.

Total chemicals
50
Scientific sources
52

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
polyphenols 2 ★☆☆☆☆
quercetin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
3alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyurs-12,20(30)-dien-24,28-dioic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
3alpha,19alpha-dihydroxyurs-12-en-24,28-dioic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Chlorogenic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cynarin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Flavonoids 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Glucose 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Oleic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
alanine 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Diospyros kaki has 11 reported activities identified across 20 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Anticancer, Antidiabetic.

Total activities
11
Scientific sources
20

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 4 ★★☆☆☆
Antimicrobial 3 ★★☆☆☆
Antibacterial 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Anticancer 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antidiabetic 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Neuroprotective 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antifungal 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antineoplastic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Antithrombotic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Cardioprotective 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Diospyros kaki has 28 reported medicinal uses identified across 33 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include oxidative stress, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, antidiabetic, apoptosis.

Total uses
28
Scientific sources
33

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
oxidative stress 4 ★★☆☆☆
cardiovascular disease 2 ★☆☆☆☆
hypertension 2 ★☆☆☆☆
antidiabetic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
apoptosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
atherosclerosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
breast cancer 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cerebral arteriosclerosis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cerebral infarction 1 ★☆☆☆☆
cerebral ischemia 1 ★☆☆☆☆