Diospyros Diospyros Diospyros is a genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. The majority are native to the tropics, with only a few species extending into temperate regions. Individual species valued for their hard, heavy, dark timber, are commonly known as ebony trees, while others are valued for their fruit and known as persimmon trees. Some are useful as ornamentals and many are of local ecological importance. The generic name "Diospyros" comes from a Latin name for the Caucasian persimmon ("D. lotus"), derived from the Greek "diós" () and "pyrós" (). The Greek name literally means
Diospyros medical compound betulinic acid. Extracts from "Diospyros" plants have also been proposed as novel anti-viral treatment. Though bees do not play a key role as pollinators, in plantations "Diospyros" may be of some use as honey plants. "D. mollis", locally known as "mặc nưa", is used in Vietnam to dye the famous black "lãnh Mỹ A" silk of Tân Châu district. The reverence of these trees in their native range is reflected by their use as floral emblems. In Indonesia, "D. celebica" (Makassar ebony, known locally as "eboni") is the provincial tree of Central Sulawesi, while ajan kelicung ("D. macrophylla")