Diospyros compacta (R. Br.) Kosterm. is known from the Northern Territory from the Daly River to Groote Eylandt and in Queensland from the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula to Middle Percy Island, central coastal Queensland, Australia. It is a shrub or small tree to 15 m. It is found in semi-deciduous vine thicket and riparian forest, frequently on coastal sands and near mangroves. Flowers have been recorded from August to November and fruit from November to March. The population of Diospyros compacta (R. Br.) Kosterm. appears to be stable and is known from the protected areas of Annan River National Park, Annan River Resources Reserve, Cape Melville National Park, Conway Conservation Park, Djukbinj National Park, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Heathlands Regional Park, Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Kakadu National Park, Kulla National Park, Macalister Range National Park, and Mount Webb National Park. Diospyros compacta (R. Br.) Kosterm. is known from at least 170 collections. The extent of occurrence is estimated at 1,512,858 km² and the area of occupancy at 568 km². The Red List assessment for this species is Least Concern.

Diospyros compacta (R. Br.) Kosterm. is known from the Northern Territory from the Daly River to Groote Eylandt and in Queensland from the Torres Strait and Cape York Peninsula to Middle Percy Island, in central coastal Queensland, Australia.

The population of Diospyros compacta (R. Br.) Kosterm. appears to be stable and is known from the protected areas of Annan River National Park, Annan River Resources Reserve, Cape Melville National Park, Conway Conservation Park, Djukbinj National Park, Garig Gunak Barlu National Park, Heathlands Regional Park, Hinchinbrook Island National Park, Kakadu National Park, Kulla National Park, Macalister Range National Park, and Mount Webb National Park.

Diospyros compacta (R. Br.) Kosterm. is a shrub or small tree to 15 m. It is found in semi-deciduous vine thicket and riparian forest, frequently on coastal sands and near mangroves. Flowers have been recorded from August to November and fruit from November to March.

The threats to this species are unknown.

The species is known from several protected areas.