Diospyros kaki Diospyros kaki Diospyros kaki, also called persimmon, is the most widely cultivated species of the genus "Diospyros". Although its first published botanical description was not until 1780, the "kaki" is among the oldest plants in cultivation, known for its use in China for more than 2000 years. In some rural Chinese communities, the "kaki" fruit is seen as having a great mystical power that can be harnessed to solve headaches, back pains and foot ache. The persimmon ("kaki") is a sweet, slightly tangy fruit with a soft to occasionally fibrous texture. This species, native to China, is deciduous, with broad,
Ebony prized for its luxuriant, multi-colored wood grain. Mauritius ebony, "Diospyros tessellaria", was largely exploited by the Dutch in the 17th century. Some species in the genus "Diospyros" yield an ebony with similar physical properties, but striped rather than evenly black ("Diospyros ebenum"). Ebony has a long history of use, with carved pieces having been found in Ancient Egyptian tombs. By the end of the 16th century, fine cabinets for the luxury trade were made of ebony in Antwerp. The wood's dense hardness lent itself to refined moldings framing finely detailed pictorial panels with carving in very low relief (bas-relief), usually