Njaval

Planted in the memory of C Rajagopalachari on the occasion of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav

Overview & Habitat

Syzygium cumini, commonly referred to as Malabar plum, Java plum, and Jamun, is an evergreen tree that thrives in tropical regions within the flowering plant family Myrtaceae.
Native to the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia, its range extends to Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands.
This towering species can grow up to 30 m (98 ft) tall and has a lifespan exceeding a century.
Its rapid growth has led it to be classified as an invasive species in various parts of the world.
Syzygium cumini has been introduced to regions far beyond its native habitat, including the islands of the Pacific and Indian Ocean, Australia, Hong Kong, and Singapore.
It has also been cultivated in tropical and subtropical climates globally, including Florida.
Its fruits provide sustenance for various native fauna, such as birds, jackals, civets, and fruit bats.

Syzygium cumini can reach impressive heights of up to 30 m (100 ft).
Its dense canopy offers shade and is often appreciated for its ornamental value.
The tree’s bark is rough and dark grey at the base, transitioning to a lighter, smoother texture higher up.
Its wood possesses water-resistant qualities post-kiln drying, making it a preferred choice for railway sleepers and the construction of motors in wells.
While it is sometimes fashioned into inexpensive furniture or used for building village dwellings, its hardness presents challenges for carpentry.
The tree’s leaves start as pinkish hues and mature into a glossy dark green with a yellow midrib, and are rich in nutrition, often utilized as livestock feed.
Syzygium cumini begins to flower from March to April, producing small, fragrant blossoms roughly 5 mm (0.2 in) in diameter.
By May or June, the fruits develop, resembling large berries and classified as ‘drupaceous’.
Initially green, the fruits mature to a sequence of colors – pink, crimson red, and ultimately black, with a variant producing white fruit.
The flavor profile of the fruit is a unique combination of sweetness, mild acidity, and astringency, often leaving a telltale purple stain on the tongue.

The fruits of Syzygium cumini (Jambolan) are celebrated for their sweet or slightly tart flavor.
They are typically enjoyed fresh but can also be transformed into sauces or jams.
The fruits lend themselves well to juices, jellies, sorbets, syrups (notably the popular kala khatta), and fruit salads.

Raw Syzygium cumini (Jambolan) fruit is primarily composed of water (83%) and 16% carbohydrates, with negligible fat.
In a standard 100-gram serving, the fruit provides about 60 calories.
It offers a moderate amount of vitamin C, with few other significant micronutrients.

Texts in the Majjhima Nikāya claim that the Buddha, as a child, sat in the shade of a Jambu tree, entering a meditative state that foreshadowed his later enlightenment.
This association elevates the tree’s status within Buddhist tradition, often translated as the Roseapple tree.
Syzygium cumini is also linked to Krishna, with symbols of the fruit depicted on his right foot in significant texts like the Srimad Bhagavatam.
In Maharashtra, the leaves of Syzygium cumini are commonly used in marriage decorations.
The fruit is mentioned in pop culture, such as in a song from the 1977 film Jait Re Jait, celebrating its flavor.
In Andhra Pradesh, the wood, known locally as neredu, is used for bullock cartwheels and agricultural implements, while its timber is used to construct doors and windows.
Tamil legends recount how Avvaiyar, a prominent figure in Tamil literature, pondered her literary career under the Naval Pazham tree. It is said that a disguised Murugan, a deity associated with Tamil culture, inspired her to continue her creative journey, further intertwining the tree with regional heritage.