Kingdom: Plantae

Phylum: Streptophyta

Class: Equiseptosida

subclas: Magnoliidae

Order: Ericales

Family: Ebenaceae

Genus: Diospyros

Species: ebenum

Description: Diospyros ebenum, also known as Indian ebony, is a slow-growing evergreen tree with dense foliage and black wood.  

Appearance 

A medium-sized tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall and 90 centimeters in diameter  

Straight trunk with buttresses up to 2 meters high  

Scaly, fissured bark that is black to gray-black in color  

Elliptical leaves that are 6–15 centimeters long and 3–5 centimeters wide  

Small fruit that is about 2 centimeters in diameter and resembles a small persimmon  

Habitat  

Found in dry deciduous forests in southern India and Sri Lanka 

Prefers well-drained soil that is light (sandy), medium (loamy), or heavy (clay) 

Can grow in mildly acid, neutral, or mildly alkaline soils 

Does not grow in shade 

Uses: The wood is used to make furniture, musical instruments, door and window handles, knife handles, brush holders, and chopsticks  

The fruits are edible and have medicinal uses  

The bark and leaves are used as a blistering plaster 

 Uses:Timber  

Used to make furniture, including door and window handles, tableware, and chess pieces 

Used to make musical instruments, including piano keys, fingerboards, and necks 

Used to make sports equipment, such as rulers and brush backs 

Used to make ornamental carvings, such as knife handles and chopsticks 

Food The edible fruits have medicinal properties.  

Medicine  

Used in homeopathic, Unani, and Ayurvedic medicine 

Used to treat skin conditions, heart issues, and diarrhea 

Used to treat eye infections in Unani medicine 

Used to treat hemorrhage, incontinence, insomnia, and hiccough 

Other uses  

The pounded bark and leaves are used as a blistering plaster 

The wood is heavy, durable, and resistant to insect attack and fungi 

The wood is difficult to season and work by hand, but it takes a high glossy finish