Satin ash
Syzygium nervosum

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A large evergreen tree. It grows up to 15-25 m tall. It has a broad crown densely covered with leaves. The bark is slightly rough and mostly flaky. It is dark cream to grey-brown. Larger trees have buttresses. The leaves are produced opposite one another along the stalk and are leathery. They are 10-18 cm long by 4-7 cm wide. The leaves are dark green and shiny on top and pale green underneath. The leaves have a pointed tip, a wavy edge and distinct veins. The leaf stalk is 1 cm long. The leaves have a strong citrus type smell when crushed. The flowers are white or cream coloured. They have many stamens up to 1 cm long and the flowers have a scent. The flowers occur in clusters in the angles of leaves near the ends of branches. The fruit is smooth and round with a hollow at the end. It is 1-1.5 cm across. It is a shiny purple black when ripe. The fruit has one seed. The seed is oval and 0.8 cm across. The fruit is edible.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in monsoon forest in the Northern Territory in Australia. It also occurs in Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, and other Asian countries. Often trees are near streams or swamps. They need deep well drained soil. It needs plenty of moisture. In India it grows between 200-1,400 m above sea level. In Nepal plants grow to about 1100 m altitude. They grow in open places. It is found throughout the Philippines.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Christmas Island, East Timor, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Sikkim, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit can be eaten raw.

The fruit have little edible flesh.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds, leaves - drink

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed.

Trees flower in September to November and have ripe fruit December to January (April to May).

Its other names

Local names

Banje, Bhadreja muno, Bhali jum, Bhukijabu, Bhuti jam, Boti jam, Camuna, Dapha jam, Dugdugia, Goda jam, Godhajam, Hmui-zu-bel, Jambon, Jangmiso, Khyamuna, Kyamun, Kyamuna, Madar jamua, Malaruhat, Rai jaman, Rai jamun, Salam banen, Salam, Scalybark, Sumuk, Tenuwa, Tram voi, Wa kao

Synonyms

Calyptranthes costata Buch.-Ham. ex Wall. [Invalid]; Calyptranthus mukul Blanco; Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala (Roxb.) Parnell &; Cleistocalyx operculatus (Roxb.) Merr. & Perry; Eugenia cerasoides Roxb.; Eugenia operculata Roxb.; Syzygium cerasoides (Roxb.) Raizada; Syzygium operculatum (Roxb.) Niedenzu; and others