DIOSPYROS, in botany, a genus of the polygamia dioecia class. The calix of the hermaphrodite has four segments, and the corolla is unceolated, and has four segments; it has eight stamens, and a quadrifid style; and the berry contains eight seeds. The calix, &c. of the male are the same with the above. There are two species, none of them natives of Britain.