A deciduous fruit tree species, Diospyros kaki. Persimmons originated in the subtropical regions of China but were cultivated more extensively in Japan where, until 1900, it was the most important fruit. Now, although it is only the fifth most important crop there, Japan leads in world production. Persimmons have been introduced to a number of temperate zone countries; however, they have not attained substantial popularity, and only small commercial plantings exist in the United States (primarily in California), Italy, Brazil, and Israel.