Common Name:

General Information

Diospyros boiviniana is a shrub or a tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and a fuel.
Although there are a few areas where the species is threatened, the general population seems to be rather stable. The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Indian Ocean - Seychelles.

Habitat

Mainly found on exposed rocky outcrops and in dry well-drained places in forest and scrub at low to intermediate elevations up to 530 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	7.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

There is a general belief that D. seychellarum keeps bad spirits away[].
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

The leaves have been used for various purposes in traditional medicine, such as for correcting blood pressure and to make baths for people with physical disabilities[].

Other Uses

The wood makes a good fuel and has been much harvested in the past to fuel cinnamon oil distilleries[].

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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