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 batocana commonly known as Sand Jackal-Berry is an evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown. It can grow from 3 – 12 metres tall. It very rarely flowers as a shrub less than 1 metre tall. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use of its edible fruit. The very acid pulp is said to be refreshing on a hot day. The orange-coloured, obovoid or oblate fruit is up to 4cm in diameter with chocolate-brown or rufous appressed hairs on the skin.