Diospyros blancoi
Species of persimmon
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Diospyros blancoi, (synonym Diospyros discolor), commonly known as velvet apple, velvet persimmon, kamagong, or mabolo tree,[1] is a tree of the genus Diospyros of ebony trees and persimmons. It produces edible fruit with a fine, velvety, reddish-brown fur-like covering. The fruit has a soft, creamy, pink flesh, with a taste and aroma comparable to peaches.[2]
_of_Bangladesh_02.jpg)
| Velvet apple | |
|---|---|
| |
| A velvet apple | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Ericales |
| Family: | Ebenaceae |
| Genus: | Diospyros |
| Species: | D. blancoi |
| Binomial name | |
| Diospyros blancoi | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
It is widely distributed and native to the Philippines, but it is also native to eastern and southern Taiwan.[3][1][4] It has also been introduced to other parts of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, South Asia, the Caribbean, Florida, and other tropical regions.[5]
Cultivation
It is a dioecious tropical tree that grows well in a diversity of soil, from sea level to 750 metres (2,400 ft) above sea level. Seed trees are normally planted 10–15 metres (30–45 ft) from each other; this one can be planted from 7.5–9 metres (25–30 ft) from each other. It needs a good distribution of rainfall through the year. Trees that were planted by seeds could take 6 or 7 years to give out fruit, but trees that were propagated by cuttings produce fruit in 3 or 4 years. It is a very productive tree.[citation needed]
The fact that fruits vary greatly – in shape, color, hairiness and taste – suggests that there is a great deal of genetic variation in the plant. Seedless cultivars exist, and are highly favored since in the normal varieties the large seeds occupy a considerable volume of the fruit.[citation needed]
Velvet apple (Diospyros discolor)
Velvet apple (sliced)
Velvet apple (Diospyros discolor) seeds
Mabolo fruit
.jpg)
.jpg)
_seeds.jpg)
_fruit.jpg)
Timber
_Chair.jpg)
Like that of other trees in Dyospiros, which includes ebony, Kamagong timber is extremely dense and hard and is famous for its dark color.[citation needed]
The wood is generally used for house construction which include flooring, post, doors, and windows, among others.[6] Finished products from kamagong wood, such as fine furniture and decoratives can be exported, provided that they are properly documented and approved by the Customs authorities.[citation needed] Kamagong is also popular for martial arts training implements such as bokken and eskrima sticks.[7]
Secondary metabolites
The leaves of velvet apple trees have been shown to contain isoarborinol methyl ether (also called cylindrin) and fatty esters of α- and β-amyrin.[8] Both isoarborinol methyl ether and the amyrin mixture demonstrated antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Candida albicans, Staphylococcus aureus and Trichophyton mentagrophytes.[8] Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties have also been shown for the isolated amyrin mixture.[8]
Governance
It is an endangered tree species and protected by Philippine law – it is illegal to export kamagong timber from the country without special permission from the Bureau of Forestry, Department of Environment and Natural Resources.[citation needed]
