Common Name:

General Information

Diospyros mun is a tree with a dense crown growing up to 18 metres tall. The cylindrical bole produces branches from quite low down. It can be 40cm in diameter[].
The wood is very valuable and is much harvested from the wild. The tree also yields a black dye. The tree is occasionally cultivated[].
A small, slow-growing tree with a restricted distribution, its glossy black timber is highly valued and has been in great demand. Overexploitation has greatly reduced populations and the tree is now classified as 'Critically Endangered' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Vietnam, Laos.

Habitat

Limestone mountains, at elevations below 800 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Critically Endangered
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	15.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Requires a sunny position[]. Succeeds in poor soils[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A slow growing tree[].
The tree can regenerate by suckers produced near the stump[].
We have seen no individual confirmation for this species, but in general Diospyros species are dioecious and require both male and female forms to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A black dye is obtained from the fresh seeds[]. It is used for dyeing silk, cloth, and other materials[].
A black dye is obtained from the oily fruits and leaves[].

The bark is used for preserving alcoholic beverages[].

The heartwood is black, becoming glossy black when dry. The wood is hard and heavy[]. A very precious timber, it is used for flower pots, statues, and especially for making chopsticks[].

Propagation

Seed - in general the seed of Diospyros species has a very short viability and so should be sown as soon as possible. The flesh should be removed since this contains germination inhibitors. Sow the seed in a shady position in a nursery seedbed. The sowing media for ebony uses soil and fine sand at the ratio 3:1. The seed is planted horizontally or vertically with the radicle end down, with a sowing depth of 1 - 1½ times the thickness of seed. Distance between the seeds is 3 - 5cm. Seeds are very sensitive to desiccation during germination and early growth, so must be regularly watered at this time. Normally the seed will germinate after one week[].
As a rule fresh seeds have a high percentage of fertility. The seedlings develop long taproots at an early stage, often before any appreciable elongation of the shoot takes place. The growth of the seedling is decidedly slow [].

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