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Diospyros whyteana

Family: Ebenaceae (Ebony family)

Common names: Bladder Nut (E); umKhaze (Z); Swartbas (A); Mohlatsane (Tsw); umTenatane (X);

Native to: Southern Africa
Shrub, Tree

Diospyros whyteana

EVERGREEN

FULL SUN

SEMI-SHADE

SHADE

FROST HARDY

MEDIUM WATER REQUIREMENTS

FAST GROWER

ATTRACTS BIRDS

ATTRACTS INSECTS

FLOWER COLOUR:

AVERAGE SIZE:

5m x 4m
FLOWERING TIME:
J F M A M J J A S O N D

Diospyros whyteana

DESCRIPTION

Large, hardy, very decorative, evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, dark green leaves and bell-shaped white flowers. The glossy, dark foliage is outlined in fine blond hairs. The fruits are red when ripe, enclosed by bladder-like structures. As with all Diospyros spp. sexes are on separate plants, therefore only female plants bear fruit.

WILDLIFE & ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS
The bladder nut attracts several fruit-eating birds like pigeons and louries.
WATER REQUIREMENTS
Water moderately throughout the year.
MAINTENANCE
Low maintenance.
LANDSCAPING USES
Attracts birds to the garden. It is an attractive garden subject and can be used for hedging. Grows in sun or semi-shade. It also makes an excellent bonsai, container plant and small tree when pruned up.
GARDEN THEMES
Bushveld, Forest, Grassland, Woodland
FLOWERS
FOLIAGE
FRUIT
The distinctive fruit is a black fleshy berry encased in a papery, inflated, bladder-like capsule. The young capsules are light green and mature to reddish brown as they dry. The fruit can be found on the tree for most months of the year.
SEED
The seeds resemble small coffee beans. The ovoid seeds have a slight indentation running along the length of the seed.
PESTS & DISEASES
Seldom attacked by pests.

4 responses

  1. Hi Johanna

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Diospyros whyteana seeds should be soaked overnight in hot water. Plant them 6cm deep in a mixture of river sand and compost and keep moist. They should start germinating in 3-6 weeks.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  2. Hi Sone

    Thanks for visiting Plantbook.

    Diospyros whyteana seeds should be soaked overnight in hot water. Plant them 6cm deep in a mixture of river sand and compost. Keep moist and they should start germinating in 3-6 weeks.

    Flourish!
    Glenice

  3. Dit klink na n baie interessante boom om voeltjies na jou tuin te bring. Ek is net teleurgesteld dat niks met my saadjies (x2) gebeur nie.

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