Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) Diospyros mespiliformis
Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) (Diospyros mespiliformis) is an evergreen perennial tree in the Ebenaceae family, native to Savanna across tropical Africa to northern South Africa, and south-western Arabia. It grows 10–25 m (33–82 ft) tall and 8–15 m (26–49 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -1 °C (30 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
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Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Ebenaceae |
| Mature height | 10–25 m (33–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 8–15 m (26–49 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance moderate |
| Soil pH | 5.5–8 |
| Cold hardiness | About -1 °C (30 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 10) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: ripe fruit (dry, sweet; raw or dried) |
| Native to | Savanna across tropical Africa to northern South Africa, and south-western Arabia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇿🇦 South Africa, 🇰🇪 Kenya, 🇳🇬 Nigeria, 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Questions about Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie)
- How far apart should I plant Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie)?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 8–15 m (26–49 ft).
- Does Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance moderate.
- How cold-hardy is Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie)?
- It tolerates about -1 °C (30 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 10.
- When does Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) flower?
- From about April for 3–6 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Jackalberry (African ebony, jakkalsbessie). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute
- Agroforestree Database: a tree reference and selection guide, World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF), Nairobi
Notes and assumptions
- A big, dense, evergreen persimmon relative of riverbanks and termite mounds; famous safari shade trees grow on old termite mounds. Jackals, baboons and birds eat the fallen fruit. Separate male and female trees.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Japanese persimmon Diospyros kaki
- American persimmon Diospyros virginiana
- Black sapote (chocolate pudding fruit) Diospyros nigra
- Dwarf mountain pine Pinus mugo
- Japanese maple Acer palmatum
- Black walnut Juglans nigra
- English yew Taxus baccata
- Serviceberry Amelanchier canadensis