Date Plum

Diospyros lotus

Native to:
Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Korea, Nepal, North Caucasus, Pakistan, Tadzhikistan, Transcaucasus, Türkiye

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Taxonomy

Division:
Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
Family:
Ebenaceae
Genus:
Diospyros
Species:
Diospyros lotus
USDA Symbol:
DILO8

Growth Characteristics

Height:
1500 cm
Light Requirements:
Full Sun
Drought Tolerance:
High
Bloom Months:
may,jun
Bloom Colors:
white, cream
Food Forest:
Contains edible parts

Keystone Species Ranking

Caterpillar Keystone:
★★★★☆ Butterfly & moth species supported by this genus (NWF)

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:
birds, small mammals
Deer Resistant:
Yes
Fall Color:
yellow

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:
rich, well-drained loamy soil
pH:
6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
Drainage:
excellent drainage required
Moisture:
dry to moderate
Notes:
native to regions with seasonal rainfall

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:
Cold/moist stratification required — 60–90 days
Germination Time:
14–60 days
Notes:
Seeds require cold stratification. Germination can be erratic and may take several weeks.

The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI