Jamun / Java Plum

Syzygium cumini

Beng: (kalo)jam Hindi: Jamun

A very familiar large evergreen tree with elliptical leathery leaves with a pointed tip. Conspicuous during early rainy season when purplish black ripe fruits fall and make the ground purple

Structure: Large, dome-shaped, ideal for roadside plantation

Bark:  Pale brown, flaky, rough

Leaves: Oppositely arranged, on longish stalk, 3-6’’ long, smooth, shiny, with a pointed tip. The side veins are parallel numerous and unite in a marginal vein.

Flower: Whiteish In clusters, only stamens are conspicuous.

Fruit: Very familiar Deep Purple to blackish berry usually 1 inch long. (not unlike black grapes)

Season: Never leafless, primary season for new leaf growth is early spring (Feb) and when they mature in March, the tree looks most handsome. Flowers in March - June and fruits ripe in early rain (late June early July)

Distribution: Found almost throughout India except drier parts. Thrives in high rainfall area. In low rainfall area they are found in relatively moist microclimates such as stream margins. Distribution outside India extends eastwards to south east Asia till northern Australia.

Trivia and notes: A very popular shade and fruit tree all over India but not that common in Calcutta. Considered to be sacred to both the Hindus as well as Buddhists.

PC: mauro halpern; https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Syzygium_cumini_Flowers1.jpg