Diospyros hassleri Hiern is only known from one collection in Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul), and from a few collections in eastern Paraguay (Alto Paraná, Amambay, Caaguazú, and Canendiyu) at 200-480 m elevation. It is a suffrutescent, perennial plant 15–50 cm tall collected in grass savannas without woody plants and in low cerrados on sandy and dry places at 200–480 m elevation. The species develops xylopodia (enlarged, woody subterranean rootstocks; e.g., Rizzini and Heringer 1961, 1962). The shoots are annual, unbranched, and die each season to soil level. This seems to be an adaptation to a habitat frequently afflicted by fire and frost. However, the species is susceptible to continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat due to increased fire frequency and intensity. Diospyros hassleri Hiern is known from 10 collections and 10 unique locations with regard to the threats. The extent of occurrence is estimated at 29,187 km² and the area of occupancy at 40 km².  It is recorded from the protected area of Mbaracayú Natural Reserve. The Red List assessment for this species is Vulnerable: VU B2ab(iii).

Diospyros hassleri Hiern is only known from one collection in Brazil (Mato Grosso do Sul), and from a few collections in eastern Paraguay (Alto Paraná, Amambay, Caaguazú, and Canendiyu) at 200–480 m elevation.

Diospyros hassleri Hiern is a suffrutescent, perennial plant 15–50 cm tall collected in grass savannas without woody plants and in low cerrados on sandy and dry places at 200-480 m elevation.  The species develops xylopodia (enlarged, woody subterranean rootstocks; e.g., Rizzini & Heringer 1961, 1962). The shoots are annual, unbranched, and die each season to soil level. This seems to be an adaptation to a habitat frequently afflicted by fire and frost.  Phenology: flowering September and October; fruiting October-January.

Diospyros hassleri Hiern is known from 10 collections and 10 unique locations with regard to threats. It is susceptible to continuing decline in area, extent and/or quality of habitat due to increased fire frequency and intensity.