Diospyraceae

/ˌdaɪ.ɒs.pɪˈreɪ.siː.iː/ noun

Definition

The plant family that includes persimmon trees and other tropical and subtropical woody plants producing fruits.

Etymology

From 'Diospyros' (genus name) + '-aceae' (botanical family suffix meaning 'pertaining to'). The name derives from Greek 'dios' (divine) + 'pyros' (wheat or grain), poetically called 'the grain of the gods.'

Kelly Says

Ancient Greeks named the persimmon tree 'the fruit of the gods' because its sweet, orange fruit seemed almost divine—and now every persimmon tree in the world is scientifically classified under the name they gave it over 2,000 years ago!

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