Diospyros blancoi, Mabolo, Temburini - Plant

Velvet apple is a rather slow-growing, evergreen tree. It varies in habit from a small, straggly tree with drooping branches.
Mabolo is a medium-sized tree growing to a height of 20 meters. Leaves are leathery. The blade is glossy green, smooth above and softly hairy below. A rather slow growing tree. Its edible fruit has a skin covered in a fine, velvety fur which is usually reddish-brown. The pulp is edible. The fruit hairs have to be rubbed off before eating as it can cause peri-oral itching and irritation.

Plant Specifications

• Plant Height: 23 inch (58 cm)
• Plant Spread: 6 inch (15 cm)

*above specification are indicative only. actual dimensions may vary by +-10%

• Common Name: Velvet apple, velvet persimmon, mabola tree, butter Fruit
• Maximum Reachable Height: Up to 20 m
• Flower Colour: Cream, Off-White to White
• Bloom Time: Late Spring and Summer
• Difficulty Level: Easy to grow

Planting and care

Water regularly, do not over water. Diospyros blancoi careIt is a dioecious tropical perennial tree that grows well in a diversity of soil. It needs a good distribution of rainfall through the year.

• Sunlight: Full sun
• Watering: Less. Water well during dry periods.
• Soil: Moist loamy soil
• Temperature: 22 to 30 degrees C
• Fertilizer: Feed twice yearly with any organic fertilizer.

Diospyros blancoi special featureEvergreen treeDiospyros blancoi uses
Ornamental Use:
It is suitable for growing in parks, gardens and along roads for its attractive conical, dense crown and reddish brown velvety fruits
Medicinal Use:

A decoction of the young leaves is used as a treatment for hypertension, heart ailments and diabetes
The leaves are heated and squeezed with the leaves of Plectranthus amboinicus to make a preparation that is used to treat chest colds
Note: Please consult your health expert

• Culinary Use: Fruit is edible, the tannin content declining as it ripensA good source of vitamins A, C, and minerals