Brushing up on your persimmons knowledge
Flowering trees are a great sight. Here is some great info on persimmons from the Free Press:
Persimmons are divided into two distinct groups - the native persimmon, which is Diospyros virginiana, and the Oriental persimmon, which is Diospyros kaki.
The fruit of native varieties is usually smaller, seedier and more astringent until the fruit is ripe. Many native persimmons are frequently seedling trees which result in a wide variability in the quality of the fruit. Native persimmon selections are available for purchase.
Oriental persimmons were introduced into the United States by M.C. Perry in 1856. In less than 20 years, the Department of Agriculture planted them throughout the southern states.
Considerable research and cultivar breeding has made the Oriental persimmon a great addition to the garden.
As a general rule, their fruit is superior in quality to native persimmons.
Native persimmons are more cold-hardy than Oriental varieties. The native varieties may survive temperatures of 20-25 degrees below zero, while Oriental varieties may be killed or injured when temperatures fall below about 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
The Oriental persimmon varieties Great Wall, Korean or Sheng are the most cold-tolerant of the Oriental varieties.
Oriental persimmons are subdivided into two classes: the astringent and the non-astringent.
The astringent type should be completely soft before eating or your mouth will pucker for hours. When fully ripe, the fruit is reddish-orange and is mellow flavored and very sweet.
The non-astringent types are firmer and can be eaten prior to softening. Oriental persimmon fruit may grow to the size of a peach, while native varieties produce fruit that is closer to the size of a plum.
Most native varieties must be completely ripe and soft before they lose enough astringency to be eaten. Persimmons will continue to ripen after they are picked from the tree.
David Parker, Clemson University extension agent and Greg Reighard, Clemson extension specialist, report that it is a misconception that frost is required before persimmons are edible. They indicate that frost will ruin immature fruit on the tree.
Fruit tree culture often poses a challenge to area gardeners because of the high number of disease and insect pests that thrive.
Traditional fruits like apples, peaches and plums require a great deal of care, expense and time to control the numerous pests. Oriental persimmons do not require a lot of maintenance and will perform well in this area.
The primary problem is alternate year bearing. Alternate bearing is common in most varieties and is related to factors such as the size of the crop load, the tree age, condition and health of the tree, soil moisture and pollination requirements.
Native persimmons are usually dioecious, which means they produce either male or female flowers. Rarely are native persimmons self-pollinating.
Both male and female trees are required to produce a full crop. Oriental persimmons may produce male, female and/or perfect flowers on the same tree and do not need cross-pollination to set fruit.
Tags: Flowers, Fresh Flowers
Written by Bobbie on January 9th, 2006 with
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