Gowok myrtle tree
Syzygium polycephalum

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows 8-20 m tall. The trunk can be 50 cm across. The leaves are oblong and 17-25 cm long by 6-7 cm wide. They have short stalks and are heart shaped at the base. The flowers are in panicles 5-13 cm long with many flowers. The fruit is a flattened round berry. It is 2-3 cm across. The fruit grow in clusters. They are dark purple and shiny.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in secondary forest between 200-1,800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Indonesia, SE Asia

How it is used for food

The young shoots and leaves are eaten raw with rice. The ripe fruit are eaten raw. They are also used for jelly.

It is cultivated as a fruit tree.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seeds or grafting. They are spaced 14 m apart.

Its other names

Local names

Dompjong, Gowok, Kaliasem, Kupa, Pohon jambu gowok

Synonyms

Eugenia polycephala Miq.; Jambosa cauliflora DC.; Jambosa polycephala (Miq.) Miq.; Syzygium cauliflorum (DC.) Bennet [Illegitimate];