Smooth, Sensuous Curves

The persimmon is the only native Texas tree in the Ebony Family*. Like their Asian cousins in the Ebenaceae Family, the larger trees have a black heartwood surrounded by a yellow sapwood. The Chapote Prieto, better known as the Texas Persimmon (Diospyros texana), is very common in South Central Texas woodlands.

Texas Persimmon is an ideal tree for native landscaping as long as two things are kept in mind. They are dioecious, meaning there are separate male and female trees and the ripe fruit produces a nearly permanent black stain. Therefore, male trees should be planted next to sidewalks and driveways so the fallen ripe fruit does not stain them.

The sensuously curved branches with smooth bark is quite attractive. The fruit is ripe when it is black and is edible for both people and wildlife. (But, again, keep in mind the fruit juice will stain one's fingers black.) This is the larval host plant for the Grey Hairstreak butterfly.

It has been a very good year for the Texas Persimmons here in Bexar County as the trees are currently loaded with an abundance of fruit:

This set of photographs was taken on the Water Loop Trail at Hardberger Park on Monday, October 14, 2013.

* The Ebano, also known as Texas Ebony, is not a true Ebony. It is actually in the Legume (Fabaceae) Family.