Diospyros melanoxylon

Diospyros melanoxylon, also known as the Indian Ebony or Coromandel Ebony, is a species of flowering plant in the family Ebenaceae. It is native to India and Sri Lanka.

Description

The Diospyros melanoxylon is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. The bark is dark brown to black and is longitudinally fissured. The leaves are simple, alternate, and elliptical. The flowers are small, fragrant, and white in color. The fruit is a berry, spherical in shape, and turns black when ripe.

Distribution and habitat

Diospyros melanoxylon is widely distributed in India, particularly in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. It is also found in Sri Lanka. The tree prefers dry deciduous forests and is often found on rocky hillsides.

Uses

The wood of Diospyros melanoxylon is used for making furniture, agricultural implements, and musical instruments. The fruit is edible and is used in traditional medicine. The leaves are used as fodder for livestock.

Conservation status

The Diospyros melanoxylon is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, due to habitat loss and overexploitation, the population of this species is declining.

See also

• Diospyros
• Ebenaceae
• Flora of India
• Flora of Sri Lanka