DIOSPYROS, the INDIAN DATE-PLUM: A genus of the diœcia order, belonging to the polygamia class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 18th order, Bicornes. The calyx is hermaphrodite and quadrifid; the corolla urceolate and quadrifid; there are eight stamens; the style quadrifid; the berry octospermous: the male calyx, corolla, and stamens, as in the former. There are two species. 1. The lotus, which is supposed to be a native of Africa, from whence it was transplanted into several parts of Italy, and also into the south of France. The fruit of this tree is supposed to be the lotus with which Ulysses and his companions were enchanted, and which made those who eat of it forget their country and relations: (See also ROMANUS.) In the warm parts of Europe this tree grows to the height of 30 feet. In the botanic garden at Padua, there is one very old tree which has been described by some of the former botanists under the title of guaiacum palatinum. This tree produces plenty of fruit every year; from the seeds of which many plants have been raised. 2. The Virginiana, pinhamin, perfimon, or pitchumon plum, is a native of America, but particularly of Virginia and Carolina. The seeds of this sort have been frequently imported into Britain, and the trees are common in many nurseries about London. It rises to the height of 12 or 14 feet; but generally divides into many irregular trunks
Diphthong trunks near the ground, so that it is very rare to see a handsome tree of this sort. Though plenty of fruit is produced on these trees, it never comes to perfection in this country. In America the inhabitants preserve the fruit till it is rotten, as is practised with medlars in England; when they are esteemed very pleasant. Both species are propagated by seeds: and the plants require to be treated tenderly while young; but when they are grown up, they resist the greatest cold of this country.
Diplomatics.