Diospyros ebenum Koenig ex Retz.
Frost tender, large tree with smooth branchlets, thick, elliptic leaves, to 15cm long, and small white flowers. The heart wood is jet black, very heavy and strong, considered to be the best form of ebony. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Diospyros ebenum was introduced to Britain in 1792. D. edulis was introduced to Europe in 1824, although Don reported that ‘nothing is known of this plant but the name’. ‘Edulis’ means eatable, presumably it was considered to have edible fruit. [Don]. Curtis’s Botanical Magazine figures Diospyros sapota, which the author considered to be originally from South East Asia, where it was first described by Sonnerat. The seeds and fruit were used by the natives of the Phillipines to make a wound liniment. [BM t.3988/1843].
History at Camden Park
Listed only in the 1857 catalogue [T.388/1857].
Notes
Published Mar 12, 2009 - 05:25 PM | Last updated Mar 09, 2010 - 04:48 PM
Diospyros ebenum Koenig ex Retz. | BM t.3988/1843 | BHL
| Family | Ebenaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | India to Indonesia |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Ebony tree |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Diospyrus edulis |
| Confidence level | high |