Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rhombic-leaf persimmon
IntermediateDiospyros rhombifolia
A small Chinese persimmon with rounded, diamond-shaped leaves and small, pointed orange fruits—a classic fruiting bonsai. The species is dioecious, so fruit set needs pollen from a male tree.
About
Diospyros rhombifolia (roya-gaki) is a deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub of the ebony family, native to southeast China. In Japan it is also called tsukubane-gaki, and bonsai growers sometimes call it hime-gaki. It arrived in Japan relatively late, reportedly brought back during the Second World War by the first director of the Kyoto Botanical Garden. The small leaves are rounded-rhombic; urn-shaped flowers open in spring and small, pointed oval fruits ripen orange in autumn, lasting roughly from November to January. The fruit is astringent and not eaten. It is a different species from the common persimmon (D. kaki) and is easily told apart by its much smaller leaves and fruit. The key point is that it is dioecious: to set fruit you normally need a male tree and hand pollination. Female flowers have a large calyx (the future fruit cap) and are borne singly, while male flowers come in clusters. Repeated crossing in Japan has produced many cultivars—reportedly over 100—differing in fruit colour and shape, and some set fruit without pollination, so check sex and cultivar when buying. It is vigorous, buds back strongly and is widely sold.
Size of the Rhombic-leaf persimmon
The Rhombic-leaf persimmon grows to Shrub or tree to 8 m in nature (bonsai: mini to medium).
Basic Info
Origin
Southeast China
Lifespan
Little data on lifespan
Size
Shrub or tree to 8 m in nature (bonsai: mini to medium)
Temperature
-5〜35℃
Watering & Fertilizer
Fertilizer (generous from fruit set to August, plus an autumn top-up)
Growing Tips
Light & placement
Sun and good airflow improve fruiting; shield small trees from strong afternoon sun in summer
Watering
Prone to root rot in hot, wet conditions—avoid overwatering. 1–2 times daily in spring, 2–3 in summer, when the surface dries
Temperature & overwintering
Tolerates heat and cold (to about USDA zone 7b). Protect small trees, over-cropped ones and autumn-repotted plants from freezing and drying wind
Soil & repotting
Hard akadama with 20–30% river sand. Repot young trees every other year, old ones every 3–5 years, ideally late Aug–mid Sep or before budbreak; never in April–May
Fertilizer
Go light in spring (it can cause fruit drop). Feed from fruit set until August, pause in early autumn, then top up in mid-October
Pruning & styling
Let shoots extend, then cut back to 2–3 nodes. Prune and wire late Feb–March and Nov–Dec; branches snap easily, so avoid hard bends
Pests & cautions
Watch for aphids, thrips and scale. Being dioecious, fruit needs a male tree and hand pollination in April–May
Rhombic-leaf persimmon FAQ
QWhat is the growing difficulty level for Rhombic-leaf persimmon?
Intermediate. A variety suitable for intermediate growers. Requires some cultivation experience and knowledge of environment management. Pay careful attention to temperature and humidity control.
QHow large does Rhombic-leaf persimmon get?
The mature size of Rhombic-leaf persimmon is Shrub or tree to 8 m in nature (bonsai: mini to medium). This may vary slightly depending on cultivation environment and individual differences.
QHow should I water and fertilize Rhombic-leaf persimmon?
Rhombic-leaf persimmon: watering & fertilizer — Fertilizer (generous from fruit set to August, plus an autumn top-up). Aim for appropriate frequency and amount.
QWhat is the typical price for Rhombic-leaf persimmon?
The price of Rhombic-leaf persimmon varies significantly by variety, characteristics, size, and lineage. Please check GrowerDirect's price guide for the latest market information.
Last updated: September 23, 2026
References & Sources
Edited & verified by: GrowerDirect Editorial Team
The classifications, regulations, and growing data on this page are created and verified based on the primary information database below.
Taxonomy & Authority
Regulations & Conservation Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices and not regulated for domestic sale in Japan.
Sources: Species+ (CITES listing search)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
Related Species
Find listings for this species
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