South Indian plum
Syzygium caryophyllatum

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 6 m tall. The bark is grey. The leaves are simple and opposite. The leaf blade is 5-10 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. The flowers are white in groups at the ends of branches. The fruit is a black round berry. It is 5 mm across. There is one seed.

It is a plant at risk.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows along the edges of evergreen forests up to 700 m above sea level. It grows in open sandy places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Indonesia, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sri Lanka (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten.

They are eaten mainly by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, buds

How it is grown

In India flowering and fruiting is January to February.

Its other names

Local names

Bhedas, Cherujara, Chota jambul, Dan, Heen-dan, Kani, Karinjara, Kshdurajambu, Kuntala, Kunta nerale, Kunta nurale, Loungpan, Malai naaval, Marungi, Nimbuli, Njara, Pottinjaval, Ran lawang, Shenjarel

Synonyms

Calyptranthes caryophyllata (L.) Pers.; Eugenia caryophyllata Wight; Eugenia corymbosa Lam.; Myrtus caryophyllata L.; Syzygium caryophyllaeum Gaertn.;