Jambolan is a tree that loses its leaves seasonally. It grows in Africa and Australia. This tree is valuable because of its fruits. The fruits are used in cooking and medicine. Jambolan needs a warm climate. It can grow in different types of soil. This tree grows quickly and lives for many years.
Jambolan, also called Syzygium cumini, belongs to the Myrtle family. It is a tall tree found in Asia and Africa. Jambolan is grown for its fruit and is important to the economy.
Jambolan is part of the Syzygium group. It is a tall tree, reaching up to 30 meters. Its trunk can be 60 to 90 cm wide. The leaves are oblong-oval shaped, 5 to 25 cm long, and 2.5 to 10 cm wide. The flowers have a funnel shape. They have 4-5 petals joined together and many stamens. The flowers are pink. The leaves have a strong turpentine smell.
The jambolan fruit is a drupe with thin skin. It is 1.25 to 5 cm in size. The fruit is dark purple, almost black. The pulp is purple or white. It is juicy and smells good. The fruits are safe to eat. Sometimes they taste bitter.
Jambolan comes from Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Andaman Islands. It now grows naturally and is farmed in Indonesia, Australia, East Africa, and the Philippines. It can also be found in tropical America.