Coastal Jackal-berry

Diospyros inhacaensis, the coastal jackal berry, is a small to medium-sized tree in the family Ebenaceae native to the coastal forests and littoral woodland of eastern Africa, particularly along the coastlines of Mozambique and extending into Tanzania and possibly southeastern Kenya. The genus Diospyros includes the persimmons and the commercially important ebonies valued for their extremely dense, dark heartwood. Diospyros inhacaensis inhabits coastal dune forest, coral rag thicket, and the margin of mangrove swamp systems in the East African coastal zone, tolerating the saline soils and salt-laden air of the littoral environment. The species produces small, fleshy fruits that are consumed by a range of frugivorous birds and small mammals, which disperse seeds through coastal forest habitats. The common name jackal berry is applied to several Diospyros species across Africa whose fruits are consumed by jackals and other carnivores along with primary frugivores. The coastal jackal berry is assessed as Least Concern by the IUCN, though the coastal forests of East Africa are considered among the most threatened ecosystems in Africa, with high rates of clearing for agriculture, charcoal production, and uncontrolled urban expansion that continue to reduce this irreplaceable habitat.