On the Origin of Persimmon Cultivation in China

Persimmon is an ancient fruit tree that is originated in China. According to current distribution of the wild kaki persimmon (Diospyros oleifera) in Sichuan and Hubei provinces of the middle and upper reaches of the Yangtze River, as well as archaeological information and relational records of ancient literatures, we think that it was domesticated from wild kaki persimmon. So far wild kaki persimmon is still usually selected as stock for grafting persimmon in South China. Persimmon was first cultivated in Sichuan and Hubei provinces, and there is over 2000 years cultivation history. Not only is its fruit freshly edible, but also used as a solid food after dried. Meanwhile persimmon tree also is an ornamental tree that Chinese deeply love.