Diospyros lotus Caucasian persimmon, date plum

Caucasian persimmons drying while still on the tree, Coronado Avenue. Sairus Patel, 8 Dec 2023

Campus boasts a single specimen of this rare species, currently an unassuming-looking large shrub on the left of the front path to 611 Coronado Avenue. It can grow into a tree, and this should be encouraged. Glossy leaves are pointed at both ends. The small round to oblong persimmons look somewhat like plums. They remain on the branches when the leaves have fallen and dry in place, looking like wrinkled dates. The oversized calyces extend beyond the fruit, have wavy margins, and may turn a russet color late in the year, adding to the visual charm. The flesh tastes like a mix of date, plum, and the common persimmon.