Diospyros kaki Oriole™ ('Black Flesh')

Diospyros kaki Oriole™ ('Black Flesh') (Oriole Asian Persimmon) is a uniquely coloured persimmon variety, prized for its abundant crops of sweet, dark red fruit with dark brown flesh. Asian persimmons - also known as Kaki persimmons, Oriental persimmons or Japanese persimmons - are native to China, where they have been cultivated for centuries.

This deciduous Asian persimmon tree produces large, globular fruit measuring 7.5–10 cm in diameter, with a distinctive classic persimmon flavours - fruity notes and subtle spicy undertones. When fully mature, persimmons are highly nutritious, offering high levels of antioxidants, dietary fibre, and vitamin A.

Persimmons are classified as either non-astringent or astringent. Non-astringent varieties can be eaten while still firm (like an apple), while astringent varieties must be soft (like a tomato) before eating. Oriole™ Kaki is an astringent, seedless, early-ripening Korean variety, best enjoyed when fully soft and ripe. At this stage, its fruit is exceptionally sweet and flavourful, making it ideal for fresh eating, desserts, syrups, salsas, baked goods, and preserves.

Beyond their fruit, Asian persimmon trees are highly valued for their ornamental appeal. Small, creamy-white flowers appear in spring and are mildly fragrant, though relatively inconspicuous. Oriole Kaki persimmon is self-fertile. The deep green, glossy oval leaves can reach up to 15 cm in length and turn brilliant shades of yellow, orange, and red in autumn. As the leaves drop, the richly coloured dark red fruit of Oriole Kaki often remains on the tree, creating a striking display against bare branches and the late-fall landscape. Oriole Asian Persimmon trees typically begin producing fruit within 2–3 years.

Asian persimmons (Diospyros kaki) typically produce larger fruit than American persimmons (Diospyros virginiana), though they are less cold hardy. If fruit does not fully ripen on the tree before frost, it can be further matured in cold storage; temperatures should remain above 4 °C to prevent deterioration of fruit texture.

The Oriole™ Asian Persimmon is a compact tree, usually remaining under 6 m in height, and can be easily pruned to maintain a smaller size. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil and can be grown as a specimen tree or trained as a hedge, screen, or espalier. Asian persimmons may produce root suckers, which should be promptly removed unless a naturalized effect is desired. Hardy to zone 7a (-18 °C), Diospyros kaki Oriole™ can be grown in containers and must be brought indoors in colder winter areas. This black flesh persimmon is not usually bothered by pests or diseases.

Oriole™ Kaki is a superior choice for both beauty and flavour - its distinctive dark red fruit and brown flesh, makes a stunning statement both on the tree and on the plate.