87-SYSYGIUM CUMINI
Local names: Jamun, Jambhul, java plum
Family: Myrtaceae
Location: Fruit orchard, Rauza Bagh.
Characters: As a rapidly 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. At the base of the tree, the bark is rough and dark grey, becoming lighter grey and smoother higher up. The wood is water resistant after being kiln-dried. It is sometimes used to make cheap furniture and village dwellings, though it is relatively hard for carpentry. 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. The flowers are fragrant and small, about 5 mm in diameter. The fruits develop by May or June and resemble large berries; the fruit of Syzygium species is described as "drupaceous". The fruit is oblong, ovoid. Unripe fruit looks green. As it matures, its color changes to pink, then to shining crimson red and finally to black color. A variant of the tree produces white coloured fruit. The fruit has a combination of sweet, mildly sour and astringent flavour and tends to colour the tongue purple.
General use: Both the seeds and the fruit are diuretic and have important carminative and astringent properties. The seeds also reduce blood sugar levels. The seeds and bark are well known in the Far East for the treatment of dysentery and in the control of hyperglycaemia and glycosuria in diabetic patients. The juice of the bark is considered good for treating wounds and enlargement of the spleen. An infusion is used to treat irregular menstruation, diarrhoea, dysentery, children's thrush etc. The bark is used as a gargle to strengthen gums, treat mouth ulcers etc. Fruits are used as a relief for colic and to treat diarrhea. An infusion of the leaves is used in the treatment of diabetes and diarrhea. The leaves are used as food for livestock, as they have good nutritional value. It is used in railway sleepers and to install motors in wells.