Diospyros malabarica or Indian persimmon

 

The Gaub Tree, Malabar ebony, Black-and-white Ebony or Pale Moon Ebony (Diospyros malabarica) (Bengali: গাব/দেশী গাব) is a species of flowering tree in the family Ebenaceae that is native to the Indian Subcontinent and South East Asia.

 

Indian persimmon is an evergreen tree with a much-branched, spreading crown; it can grow 15 - 37 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole is often fluted, it can be unbranched for 10 - 20 metres and 70cm in diameter

The plant is harvested from the wild for a range of uses including dye materials, gum, medicinal and edible fruit. The plant is also occasionally cultivated for its various uses, especially in India and Thailand

 

The tree is sometimes grown as an ornamental, being valued especially for the striking display when laden with its large red velvety fruits

 

 

Range

E. Asia - India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Indonesia.

Habitat

Lowland rainforests; occurring scattered, typically along rivers and streams at elevations up to 300 metres[

 

Often found in shady and wet sites near streams in the forest at elevations up to 500 metres