Diospyros is a genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and small bushes. The majority are native to the tropics, with only a few species extending into temperate regions. Depending on their nature, individual species are commonly known as ebony or persimmon trees. Some are valued for their hard, heavy, dark timber, and some for their fruit. Some are useful as ornamentals and many are of local ecological importance.
The generic name Diospyros comes from the ancient Greek words "Dios" (διός) and "pyros" (πυρος). In context this means more or less "divine fruit" or "divine food", though its literal meaning is more like "Wheat of Zeus". The interpretation of Diospyros is however sufficiently confusing to have given rise to some curious and inappropriate interpretations such as "God's pear" and "Jove's fire". The name Diospyros was originally applied to the Caucasian Persimmon (D. lotus).
The genus is a large one and the number of species has been estimated variously, depending on the date of the source. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew list has over 1000 entries, including synonyms and items of low confidence. Over 700 species are marked as being assigned with high confidence.
"Sun - Creator of life
Gives an energy and inspires the brave
Resist! Question!
Pay with everything you have, but be saved"
"Moon - Romantic and delicate
I lost myself in elation
Her light leads me to ecstasy
Owls worship her"
Sometimes I wonder looking at the stars
Are we the only souls in human form?
Contending with three poisons of mind
Is it only here where happiness is love
and reason for suffering ignorance?
Sun - A maker of life
Moon - Romantic and delicate
I turn to sun to brighten my mind each day [3x]