Diospyros lotus (Qua thi)

Beautiful tree with smooth grey bark glossy dark green leaves that turn golden in the fall. Flowers are small and yellow-green, and are dioecious. At least both a male and female plant will be required to get viable seeds. Globose yellow fruit turns purple-brown when fully ripe. Like the persimmon, the date plum looses its astringency when fully ripe. The flesh is then very soft and rich in flavor. The name comes from the Greek Dios pyros meaning fruit of the gods, although, truth be told, the fruit is a little too sour for most people. Makes a nice jelly, though.