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Plant Informational Database

Jackal Berry

Diospyros mespiliformis

Small, purple, one inch round fruit related to the persimmon. Fruits are sweet and have a wide range of uses.

Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Jackal Berry. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in October 2018.

Description

Large tree, usually to 10-25 feet, but some specimens reach 50+ feet in the wild. Flowering occurs during rainy seasons, with fruiting following a couple months later during dry spells.

Hardiness

Unknown.

Growing Environment

Trees prefers moist soils and usually grow near river banks or fresh water sources.

Propagation

Usually grown from seeds.

Uses

Eaten fresh or preserved. Dried fruits are sometimes ground into flour. Seeds are eaten as nuts. Fruits are often used to brew beer or fermented for wine. Fruit and plant parts contain tannin. Bark and roots are used medicinally as an antimicrobial, and as treatments for malaria, syphillis, and leprosy. Wood is used for timber.

Native Range

Native to savannah and woodland areas in most parts of Africa.

Related Species

Ebenaceae  
Diospyros austroafricana
South African Star Apple
Diospyros blancoi
Velvet Apple
Diospyros brasiliensis
Bush Persimmon
Diospyros digyna
Black Sapote
Diospyros mespiliformis
Jackal Berry
Diospyros montana
Mountain Persimmon
Diospyros whyteana
Bladdernut