I am a Jaamun , also known as Jambu , or Java plum. My botanical name is Syzigium cumini .
You see me as: A large tree with a big canopy. I have a scaly bark, and glossy, smooth, oval leaves. My fragrant white flowers appear in May. Purple, juicy, and edible berries follow a month later. I thrive near rivers.
My purplish fruits: They are rich in vitamins A and C. Eat them with some salt and pepper, or make delicious jam out of them.
My bark : This is used as a mouth freshener and for strengthening the gum and teeth.
A Panchatantra tale: Rakthamukha, the clever monkey, sits on a Naaval tree, eating the fruits. He befriends the crocodile Kamamukha, by offering him some fruits. Kamamukha takes the monkey for a ride on to the river. Half way through, he tells him that his wife wants to eat a monkey’s heart. When Rakthamukha hears this, he tells Kamamukha that he left his heart behind on the Naaval tree. The foolish crocodile takes him back, and the clever monkey escapes!
In mythology: Rama subsisted on my fruits in the forest for 14 years when he was exiled from Ayodhya.
Tamil poet Avvaiyar was resting under my shade, contemplating retirement, when she was urged by Lord Murugan to continue working and learning.
Did you know?
India is referred to as Jambu dweepa or the island of the Jambu tree!
Courtesy: Nizhal – a Trust to promote tree conservation
