Content
- 1 Description and characteristics of the Caucasian persimmon
- 2 Where and how does the Caucasian persimmon grow
- 3 Does Caucasian persimmon knit
- 4 Composition and calorie content
- 5 The benefits and harms of wild Caucasian persimmon
- 6 Contraindications to use
- 7 Features of growing wild Caucasian persimmon
- 8 Caucasian persimmon care
- 9 Conclusion
Caucasian persimmon is a type of culture that is found in the North Caucasus, Crimea and other neighboring regions. The tree is unpretentious, tolerates frost well. Its fruits are small, but quite suitable for fresh consumption (preferably after cold treatment) and for various preparations.
Description and characteristics of the Caucasian persimmon
Wild Caucasian (Diospyros lotus) is a kind of common persimmon. This tree is up to 30 m high with shiny leathery leaves. The shape of the leaf plate is oval, with a sharpness, in length reaches from 5 to 15 cm, in width from 3 to 6 cm. The bark is light brown, crumbles with aging.
The flowers are small, greenish in color, appear from June to July. The plant is melliferous and attracts bees and other pollinators. The fruits of the wild Caucasian persimmon are small, up to 2 cm in diameter. The flesh is juicy and soft, yellow when cut. The seeds have a thin skin.
The fruits of the Caucasian persimmon are small, orange
Where and how does the Caucasian persimmon grow
In nature, wild trees grow in the Caucasus, in the Crimea, in the Krasnodar Territory, as well as throughout the Mediterranean (up to Spain). It is found in the subtropical regions of Eurasia, including in certain provinces of China and in northern India. Prefers foothills 300-600 m above sea level, and in Asia - up to 2000 m.
In most cases, the Caucasian persimmon does not grow in separate groups, but in combination with different trees. Ash trees, maples and other deciduous plants are often its neighbors. The tree is not demanding on conditions; therefore, it is often found even on rocky slopes. At the same time, persimmon is demanding on lighting - it grows well only in open places.
Does Caucasian persimmon knit
The composition of the Caucasian wild persimmon, like the cultivated varieties, contains tannins (tannins). Therefore, they knit noticeably, especially in an immature state. However, after freezing or drying, these components are destroyed, thereby improving the taste. Sweet tones and slight sourness are noticeable.
The fruits are edible. They are used both fresh and frozen or dried. They are used to prepare soft drinks and tinctures, and are used for baking. The leaves of the wild Caucasian persimmon go into tea, and an analogue of coffee is prepared from the seeds.
Composition and calorie content
The calorie content of fresh fruits of the Caucasian persimmon is 53 kcal per 100 g. In dried form, the indicator is significantly higher and reaches 250-300 kcal per the same weight. Nutritional value per 100 g (also for dried product):
- proteins - 3.1 g;
- fats - 0.8 g;
- carbohydrates - 57.9 g.
The chemical composition of the Caucasian persimmon contains the same substances as in the pulp of cultivated varieties:
- vitamin C (up to 60% of the daily value in 100 g) and A;
- tannins (tannins);
- minerals (phosphorus, iodine, magnesium, iron, calcium, sodium, potassium);
- simple sugars;
- Apple acid.
The bark of the branches contains various triterpenoids and tannins. The leaves contain a lot of vitamin C and other useful components:
- quinone;
- quercetin;
- lecocyanidin;
- myricetin and others.
The fruits of the Caucasian persimmon contain vitamin C and other valuable substances
The benefits and harms of wild Caucasian persimmon
The culture has long been used in folk medicine of the peoples of the Caucasus, China, Thailand and Japan. Its medicinal properties are varied:
- anti-inflammatory, bactericidal, wound healing effect;
- normalization of fat metabolism;
- improved liver function;
- diuretic effect;
- strengthening the immune system;
- improvement of the nervous system;
- recovery after long-term illnesses, operations;
- treatment of enuresis.
For medicinal purposes, fruits, leaves and even tails are used (a decoction is prepared from them). Used internally, less often - for external treatment of wounds, abscesses and abscesses. To do this, steamed leaves or compresses from their broth are applied to the affected area.
In some cases, the use of Caucasian persimmon is fraught with harmful consequences:
- burning sensation;
- stomachache;
- constipation or, conversely, diarrhea;
- nausea and vomiting (use in large quantities).
Contraindications to use
In some cases, the use of Caucasian persimmons should be completely eliminated or limited. It is not recommended to include fruits in the diet for the following pathological conditions:
- erosive gastritis;
- ulcer;
- surgery on the stomach or intestines;
- adhesive disease;
- chronic constipation (especially in old age);
- diabetes (type 1);
- pregnancy and lactation (with restriction);
- children under the age of three;
- individual intolerance to certain substances.
Features of growing wild Caucasian persimmon
This tree is characterized by increased winter hardiness, so it can be grown in the climatic conditions of the Krasnodar Territory, the North Caucasus and the Crimea. Persimmon grows well even on impoverished lands, so it is enough for it to provide the minimum conditions:
- watering;
- rare top dressing;
- well lit area;
- not too wet soil (not in the lowlands).
Wild persimmon can be grown on your site
The yield of mature trees reaches 100 kg. Despite the small size of the fruits, they can be collected quite a lot and used for homemade preparations or sent for processing.
Planting Caucasian persimmon seedlings
Wild Caucasian persimmons can be cultivated by cuttings or grown from seeds. In the first case, at the beginning of summer, they take several green branches 20 cm long (with three internodes) and act as follows:
- Make an oblique lower and straight upper cut.
- Placed overnight in a solution of "Heteroauxin" or another growth stimulant.
- They are planted in fertile, moist soil with a lot of sand (deepened by 3 cm).
- Cover with foil or bottles.
- Water it periodically.
- Two weeks after planting, liquid manure or other organic matter is applied. At the same time, the film is removed.
- For the winter, they mulch with spruce branches, sawdust, straw and other materials.
- The next spring, the Caucasian persimmon seedlings are transferred to a permanent place. The site should be lit, sheltered from the winds, with light fertile soil (although the tree grows normally on poor soil).
At the bottom of the planting pit, it is necessary to fill in a layer of expanded clay, broken brick and other small stones 10-15 cm high.
Growing Caucasian persimmon from stone
You can grow a Caucasian persimmon from a stone. It is planted in the fall, after the fruit has ripened. It is necessary to act in this way:
- Remove the bone from the fruit and thoroughly rinse it from the remnants of the pulp.
- Put in a solution of "Heteroauxin" or another growth stimulator for several hours.
- Plant in a pot with fertile, loose soil.
- Cover with plastic wrap and place in a warm, shaded place.
- Water from a spray bottle periodically.
- Two weeks after the sprouts appear, dig up the bone and carefully remove the shell.
- Transplant into open ground in spring, when there is no frost.
Caucasian persimmon care
This plant is undemanding to care, so the cultivation technique is quite simple. Young seedlings are watered weekly, and in drought conditions - twice a week. Mature trees are moisturized only in the heat, giving 2-3 buckets. After watering, the near-trunk circle is dug up, if necessary, weeding is carried out.
Even with minimal maintenance, an adult tree produces up to 100 kg of fruit
If the soil is fertile, you do not need to apply fertilizer for the first four years after planting. Then they are given three times a season - in the spring, urea or ammonium nitrate (15–20 g per tree), during flowering and at the fruiting stage - superphosphate (40 g) and potassium sulfate (30 g).
Another must-have is pruning. It is held in early spring and late autumn. Dried, diseased, old, non-fruiting branches are removed, and the crown is also formed. The plant is resistant to insects and other pests, therefore it is not necessary to treat with drugs.
Conclusion
Caucasian persimmon is quite fruitful, so it can be grown for home use and industrial processing. The plant bears tasty fruits that are not inferior to the cultivated varieties. They are used both for cooking and for medicinal purposes (along with leaves).
