Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Gurke (Taiwan ebony)

Family ebenaceae

An everygreen tree with dark brown tree bark, the Diospyros philippensis (Desr.) Gurke (Taiwan ebony) has obvious vertical cracks. No hairs are seen from the leaf surface, but when examined with a magnifier, brown hairs can be spoted on blade back. Covered with silver silk-like hairs, its newly-sprouted leaves look very cute. Being dioecious, its fruit is red brown with a sheet of hairs on it, thus giving it the Chinese name: hairy persimmon. Its hardwood, called black ebony in the timber industry, is an advanced construction material and can be made into furniture.

　　Source of Pictures: Self-shot Pictures