AusBonsai

Hi all

Does anyone have an idea if Diospyros rhombifolia commonly known as the princess persimmon is available in the country?

I know the Diospyros kaki or japanese persimmon is readily available but it's growth habit and fruit size aren't ideal for bonsai work.

I've seen posts regarding persimmon bonsai in this country but it sounds like people were getting confused between the japanese persimmon and princess persimmon. It was hard to tell.

Perhaps the Diospyros virginiana is an acceptable substitute as it's seeds are available in this country. However it doesn't seem to be as compact as
Diospyros rhombifolia. It does have nice bark though according to our American counterparts.

There are native Diospyros such as Diopyros humillis or Queensland ebony (Diospyros germinata goes by the same common name but might not be as compact etc).
I think it would make good bonsai material anywhere over it's natural range i.e. Tropics to mid coast NSW. From the description, it's evergreen with small leaves and
internodes plus it also has yellow to red edible fruit which are 1-2cm in size. Unfortunately, trying to get plants or even seeds might be hard.

Thanks in advance

I think Ray Nesci in Sydney has had the small-fruited deciduous persimmon that works for bonsai. You need male and female. I would be very interested to know how the rainforest Diospyros work as bonsai - it's a whole new area. Maybe try to find tube stock from bush regeneration nurseries in the tropics. They often do mail order. Best of luck, keep us posted.

Gavin