Jambul (Syzygium cumini) is an
evergreen tropical tree in the
flowering plant family Myrtaceae,
native to Bangladesh, India,
Nepal,Pakistan and Indonesia. It is
also known as Jaam/Kalojaam,
Jamun, Nerale Hannu,
Njaval,Neredupandu, Jamblang,
Jambolan, Black Plum, Damson
Plum, Duhat Plum, Jambolan Plum,
Java Plum or Portuguese Plum.
“Malabar plum” may also refer to
other species of Syzygium.
It is also grown in other areas of
southern and southeastern Asia
including the Philippines,
Myanmar,and Afghanistan. The tree
was also introduced to Florida, USA
in 1911 by the USDA, and is also
now commonly planted in
Suriname. In Brazil, where it was
introduced from India during
Portuguese colonization, it has
dispersed spontaneously in the
wild in some places, as its fruits
are eagerly sought by various
native birds such as thrushes,
tanagers and the Great
Kiskadee.Scientific synonyms
include Syzygium jambolanum,
Eugenia cumini and Eugenia
jambolana.
A fairly fast growing species, it can
reach heights of up to 30 m and
can live more than 100 years.Its
dense foliage provides shade and
is grown just for its ornamental
value. The wood is strong and is
water resistant. Because of this it
is used in railway sleepers and to
install motors in wells. It is
sometimes used to make cheap
furniture and village dwellings
though it is relatively hard to work
on.
Jamun trees start flowering
fromMarch to April. The flowers of
Jamun are fragrant and small,
about 5 mm in diameter. The fruits
develop by May or June and
resemble large berries. The fruit is
oblong, ovoid, starts green and
turns pink to shining crimson
black as it matures. A variant of the
tree produces white coloured fruit.
The fruit hasa combination of
sweet, mildly sour and astringent
flavour and tends to colour the
tongue purple. The seed is also
used in various alternative healing
systems like Ayurveda (to
controldiabetes, for example,
Unani and Chinese medicine for
digestive ailments. The leaves and
bark areused for controlling blood
pressure and gingivitis. Wine and
vinegar are also made from the
fruit. It has a high source in
vitamin A and vitamin C.
Jambul has been spread
overseasfrom India by Indian
emigrants and at present is
common in former tropical British
colonies.