Diospyros kaki, the Oriental persimmon

This tree is in its fourth year here. I transplanted it once and it suffered from two years of drought.

It’s been cultivated in China for 2,000 years. The fruits, when allowed to ripen naturally (rather than being treated with CO2 to remove pre-maturity bitterness) are absolutely delicious.

This tree has yet to produce a fruit. It suffers two fruit drops. Hopefully this year one will survive. Ripens in October/November when tree is bare of leaves. The fruits look like Christmas decorations.

Rain came in early afternoon - a depression from the west - that’s forecast to hang around today and part of tomorrow.

I did my beetle rounds, some hoeing, and planted more cannellini beans. It’s late for planting but the patch that held overwintering turnips was available.

Last night I stayed up late watching the last episodes of The Sopranos; a fantastic televisual achievement.