Diospyros is a genus of over 700 species of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs and small bushes. The majority are native to the tropics, with only a few species extending into temperate regions. Depending on their nature, individual species are commonly known as ebony or persimmon trees. Some are valued for their hard, heavy, dark timber, and some for their fruit. Some are useful as ornamentals and many are of local ecological importance. The generic name Diospyros comes from the ancient Greek words Dios and pyros. In context this means more or less divine fruit or divine food, though its literal meaning is more like Wheat of Zeus.

Diospyros villosa is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces. Commonly known as Hairy Star-Apple it was previously known as Royena villosa. It grows into a scrambling shrub or small tree in coastal forests. The young growth is densely hairy. The spiralled round leaves are very hairy below. The creamy yellow flowers are followed by fleshy edible fruit which are held in enlarged papery calyxes.