http://www.outdoorlife.com/wild-pers...is-tasty-fruitThe American persimmon (Diospyros virginiana) is a deciduous tree found the eastern half of the U.S. It has alternate simple leaves and small orange fruits about 2 inches in diameter. A related species with larger fruits can be found in Japan and neighboring countries. These are the source of the tomato-sized fruits you may find in a grocery store under the name persimmon. Both the American and Asian persimmons have a small woody “cap” with four points, just above the fruit. The scientific name of this tree’s genus is diospyros, which means “food of the gods.” If you’re concerned they’re overselling the fruit, you are wrong.