Common Name:

General Information

Diospyros elliotii is a tree that can grow up to 10 metres tall. The bole usually branches from low down, it can be up to 40cm in diameter[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of chew sticks and wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

West tropical Africa - Senegal to Nigeria and Central African Republic.

Habitat

An understorey tree in swamp forests[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	8.00 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

The orange-yellow fruit is borne on older parts of stem below the leaves[].
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

Fruit - raw[]. The pulp surrounding the large seed is eaten[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The twigs are used as chew-sticks to maintain healthy teeth and gums[].

The more or less black heartwood is usually only present in small amounts; it is clearly demarcated from the white sapwood. It is probably suitable for implement handles[]. The flexible branches are used for spring-traps[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

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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