TreeRM

Jamun

Syzygium cumini 路 Myrtaceae 路 also Java plum, Jambolan, Black plum, Jambul

A fast-growing evergreen shade tree to about 30 m with glossy leaves and purple-black oval fruit that stain mouths and pavements every monsoon. Jamun is planted on roadsides, in orchards and in social forestry across India and is one of the most widely distributed trees of the subcontinent. It is a Category I invasive in Florida and a pasture weed where naturalised, and the fruit exemption aside it appears on South Africa's NEMBA list.

Broadleaf evergreenFast growingSun or part shadeModerate water
Jamun
Wikimedia Commons, file Syzygium_cumini_Bra30.png (see file page for author and licence)

Where it stands

Native

This tree evolved here, and local wildlife depends on it.

Adapted

Introduced, but it handles this climate and has not shown a habit of spreading.

  • 馃嚢馃嚜 Kenya 路 Introduced per WCVPsource
  • 馃嚬馃嚳 Tanzania 路 Introduced per WCVPsource
  • 馃嚭馃嚫 HI, United States 路 Introduced and naturalised per WCVPsource

Invasive

It escapes into natural areas and displaces native plants. Check your state's list before buying one.

  • 馃嚭馃嚫 FL, United States 路 FISC Category I; UF/IFAS Assessment: invasive in South Florida; not prohibitedsource
  • 馃嚳馃嚘 South Africa 路 On the NEMBA 2020 national list (Jambolan); fruit for human consumption exemptsource

Care

Plant at the start of the rains; seedlings can reach 4 m in two years. Water the first dry season; it tolerates flooding and some shade when young. Space 12 m apart as a shade tree. Coppices vigorously. Fallen fruit ferments, attracts flies and stains, so keep it off paths and driveways. Leaf spot, sooty mould, scale and whitefly are minor.

Benefits

EdibleShadeBirdsWildlifeFast canopyFlood tolerantPollinators

Good for

FoodYard shadeStreet treeWindbreakAgroforestry

Watch out for

Messy fruitInvasive elsewhereHeavy litter