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Ekatra
  • જાંબુ (Syzygium cumini)

    Canaan Vivero

  • જાંબુ (Syzygium cumini)

    Dr Ashwathanarayana Rao

  1. Photograph 1
  2. Photograph 2

જાંબુ

Syzygium cumini

Indian Blackberry जामून

Native

Commonly known as Black Plum, Jambolan, Jambu, Jambol, Jaman, Java plum, Naval, Neredu.

Seed or sapling available

A big, glossy-leaved tree, usually 10-15 metres tall but capable of reaching 35, that bursts into small white flower clusters in February-March before setting the dark purple-black fruit everyone knows. Jamun has been cultivated in India for over 2,500 years and is considered sacred, often planted near temples in honour of Krishna.

Habit Tree, Fruits
Origin Native
Flowering Summer
Edible Yes
Sourcing Available
Sun Tolerates shade
Water Steady moisture · drought tolerant
Drainage Takes wet ground
Soil Almost any, including rocky
Started from Seed, Layering, Grafting
Germinates 2–4 weeks

No specific wildlife-relationship data recorded for this species.

  • Sow freshly collected seed in nursery beds during the rainy season, about 20-25mm deep; it germinates in 2-4 weeks at a 20-90% rate.
  • Prick seedlings out at 6-9 months into 30x30cm beds.
  • Moisture matters more than shade for seedling development: sun-grown seedlings do fine if the soil stays moist, but shaded ones can die if the soil dries out.
  • Seedlings are somewhat frost tender, especially on grassy ground.
  • One to three-year-old seedlings transplant without trouble.
  • Can also be propagated by air-layering or grafting.

An ancient, sacred fruit tree in India, revered by both Buddhists and Hindus and traditionally planted near temples.

  • The fruit is eaten fresh or made into jams, sherbets, jellies, tarts, and puddings.
  • Its slightly bitter, astringent edge softens if you soak it in salt water first.
  • Dried, ground seeds are brewed into a coffee-like drink, and jamun seeds are traditionally used to help manage diabetes, along with treating bloody diarrhoea, epilepsy, and bleeding.

These uses are documented for information only and are not medical advice. Always verify the species and the plant part before use.

Found across Asia from China to Sri Lanka to Australia, in habitats ranging from evergreen and deciduous forest to coastal areas and swamps.

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