The Jamun plant (Syzygium cumini), also known as Java plum, black plum, or Indian blackberry, is a tropical evergreen tree native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Here's a detailed description:
🌳 General Description:
Scientific Name: Syzygium cumini
Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
Common Names: Jamun, Java Plum, Black Plum, Indian Blackberry, Jambul
Type: Evergreen tree
🌱 Plant Features:
Height: 10–30 meters (33–98 feet)
Trunk: Greyish-brown bark that peels in thin flakes; the wood is dense and water-resistant.
Leaves:
Simple, opposite, glossy green leaves
Aromatic when crushed
Oval to elliptic in shape with a pointed tip
🌸 Flowers:
Small, fragrant, and greenish-white or yellowish
Blooming season: March to April (in South Asia)
Grow in clusters (panicles)
🍇 Fruits:
Type: Drupe (fleshy fruit with a single seed)
Color: Green (unripe), turning pink, then deep purple or almost black when fully ripe
Shape: Oval to oblong
Taste: Astringent, sweet, and slightly sour, with a unique flavor
Season: May to July
🌿 Uses:
Culinary: Eaten raw, used in jams, jellies, juices, and desserts
Medicinal: Used in traditional medicine for:
Diabetes management (lowers blood sugar levels)
Digestive health
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
Timber: Durable wood used in construction, furniture, and railway sleepers
🌍 Habitat & Cultivation:
Native to: India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and surrounding regions
Grows well in: Tropical and subtropical climates
Soil: Thrives in a variety of soils, including loamy and sandy; prefers well-drained soil.