Kaki or Persimmon   /   Diospyros kaki

Geographic origin: China and Japan.

Adult size: Height up to 5 metres.

Foliage: Deciduous.

Type of soil: All, well drained.

Climate: Hardy to -20°C.

Position: Full sun, protected from winds.

Pollinators: Self fertile.

Characteristics and uses: Very widespread in the South of France, the Kaki is a very decorative shrub.

Author: KENPEI

The light flowering takes place in May and June with small yellowish flowers. Its autumnal foliage turns red before dropping off.

Author: Boris Oblak

Its fruits known as kakis are round like large tomatoes and vary from yellow through to red in colour. They are rich in minerals and vitamin C. They are best eaten when nearly ripe and are picked just after the first frosts. Their yellow reddish flesh is soft, juicy and sweet and melts in the mouth.

Author: Olegivvit

The ‘Muscat’ kaki provides sweet orange red fruits that have a soft flesh and are highly perfumed.

The ‘Fuyu’ kaki yields firm fleshed orange fruits. It is the most widespread variety.