Syzygium cumini aka Jaman

Taxonomy

Syzygium cumini, also known as Malabar plum, Java plum, black plum, jamun, jaman, jambul, or jambolan, is an evergreen tropical tree in the Myrtaceae family. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, adjoining regions of Southeast Asia, including Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands, as well as China and Queensland. The tree can reach heights of up to 30 metres (98 ft) and can live more than 100 years. Its dense foliage provides shade and is grown for its ornamental value. The bark is rough and dark grey at the base, becoming lighter grey and smoother higher up. The wood is water-resistant, making it useful for railway sleepers and for installing motors in wells. The leaves, which have an aroma similar to turpentine, are pinkish when young, changing to a leathery, glossy dark green with a yellow midrib as they mature. Syzygium cumini trees start flowering from March to April, with fragrant and small flowers. The fruits, which resemble large berries, develop by May or June. The fruit is a favorite for its sweet, tangy taste and is eaten by various native birds and small mammals, such as jackals, civets, and fruit bats. The plant has been introduced to areas including islands of the Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Invasive in many world regions, it was introduced to Florida in 1911 by the United States Department of Agriculture and is commonly grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Malabar Plum is a rare houseplant that needs regular watering to thrive and does best in long-lasting, direct light. It prefers soil that is well-draining and should not require added fertilizers if repotted each time it doubles in size.

Common names

Jaman, Jamun

How to care for Jaman

Difficulty

Jaman requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

Jaman should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Jaman loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Jaman requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your Jaman will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi's records do not contain confirmed information on the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event of accidental ingestion of plant material with questionable toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of Jaman is not rapid and it doesn't necessitate any extra fertilization. By replacing its potting soil once a year, it should receive ample nutrition. It is important to note that plants obtain their energy from the sun's rays, not from fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia