About Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb.
Diospyros melanoxylon Roxb. grows as a shrub or medium-sized tree, reaching a maximum height of 25 meters. Its leaves are arranged either alternately or oppositely, and can grow up to 35 centimeters long. This species is dioecious, and produces mauve-colored flowers that measure at least 1 to 1.5 centimeters across. Its fruits are 3–4 centimeters in diameter, with an olive-green outer layer and yellow inner tissue. The fruits are edible, and are consumed by both humans and wildlife, especially fruit bats and hornbills. Foliage retention varies with habitat: trees are dry-season deciduous in drier locations, and evergreen in moister habitats. Young trees of this species are shade-tolerant, while mature trees require full sun. Diospyros melanoxylon prefers slightly acidic soils, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.
