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 scabrida is a South African endemic species from the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal Provinces. Commonly known as Hard-Leaved Monkey Plum in English and Blinkblaar or Hardeblaartolbos in Afrikaans it grows into a 2 meter tall shrub with grey bark and glossy green leaves. From summer to autumn it bears white flowers. These are followed by fleshy red fruits with large persistent calyxes. This is a highly decorative species. The fruits are edible but are somewhat bitter, and so not very tasty. Extracts of various parts of the plants are believed to have antibiotic properties. The roots are also used medicinally by the local people.