Persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a fruit-bearing tree native to the southeastern US, though another variety of persimmon tree originated in China. Persimmon trees are dioecious, meaning they usually produce male and female flowers on separate trees. Occasionally, there will be a flower that contains both male and female reproductive mechanisms; this is called a “perfect” flower.  Persimmons have been cultivated by humans for centuries, for their beauty and edible fruit, from which you can make desserts, teas, or just eat by themselves! Persimmon fruit is a soft orange color, and shaped somewhat like a tomato, which shares its morphological category of “berry.” The taste of the fruit is said to be subtle, like cantaloupe with hints of honey.