Diospyros thus avoided by most herbivores; when ripe they are eagerly eaten by many animals however, such as the rare Aders' duiker ("Cephalophus adersi"). The foliage is used as food by the larvae of numerous Lepidoptera species: Arctiidae: Geometridae: Limacodidae: Lycaenidae: Nymphalidae: Saturniidae: Tortricidae: An economically significant plant pathogen infecting many "Diospyros" species – "D. hispida", kaki persimmon ("D. kaki"), date-plum ("D. lotus"), Texas persimmon ("D. texana"), Coromandel ebony ("D. melanoxylon") and probably others – is the sac fungus "Pseudocercospora kaki", which causes a leaf spot disease. The genus includes several plants of commercial importance, either for their edible fruit (persimmons)
Edible Schoolyard is meant to provide access to and knowledge of healthy food choices to children who have limited access to healthy food and nutrition education. The garden was established in 2008 and accompanies a new kitchen where club members participate in cooking classes and prepare healthy snacks. The Edible Schoolyard at the Greensboro Children's Museum opened in May 2010. The museum is aimed at families and young children, and the Edible Schoolyard encompasses an organic garden, a chicken coop, recycling and composting stations, fruit trees, a greenhouse, a pond, and indoor and outdoor classrooms. The Edible Schoolyard at the museum hosts