Divamani Enterprises

Jamun is an evergreen tropical tree native to India. Alternate names for this fruit are: Jambul, Kala Jaam, Naavar Pazham (Tamil), Nyaval pazham (Malayalam) and jambu (Sanskrit).

This is a fast growing tree which can grow to a height of 30 metres and can live more than 100 years. It has a dense foliage. The wood from this tree is also used.

Uses

1. It has a dense foliage which gives a great deal of shade.
2. The bark of this tree is very strong and is used for railway sleepers and for installing motors in wells. The wood is water resistant.
3. Flowers are fragrant. They are small and are barely 5 mm in diameter
4. The fruit is highly priced for its taste. It is a mixture of sweet and slightly acidic. It has the tendency to coat the tongue into a purple colour. The fruit berry is oblong. It is green to begin with but it becomes purple when it is ripe. Birds seem to thrive on this fruit. There is another variety which is white in colour.
5. The seed is used in traditional medicine
6. Its leaves and bark are also used in traditional medicine.

Propagation

1. Full sunlight is required. It tolerates very high heat.
2. Well drained loamy soil is required if it has to reach full potential.
3. Dig a 2-3 ft. deep pit and fill with compost and manure. Plant the sapling into it.
4. Alternative method is using the seeds from the ripe fruit.
5. Water it after planting
6. Water everyday if there is high heat. Adjust the watering as per the heat.
7. It is a hardy low maintenance tree. Use organic fertilisers once in 4 months.
8. Pruning is essential to make the tree strong and develop new growth.
9. The first fruits come around 7-8 years if it is from the seed and saplings can yield fruits within 3-4 years.
10. You may start this tree in a pot if you are using a seed. Once it reaches a height of 1 foot, plant it in the final spot in your garden.
11. Harvesting must be done in the early morning or late afternoon. Ideally hand pick the fruits which are ripe and firm. Using a long pole with a basket is the method used for this purpose.
12. Apart from using it as a fruit directly or in fruit based dishes, jamun is also converted into several products. This ensures round the year availability of this wonderful fruit.
13. This tree can give from 60 to 70 kg per year if planted as a grafted sapling and if it is from a seed, it can yield from 80 to 100 kg per year.

For those having land with adequate space, this tree is a good addition for not only its fruits but also its bark, seeds and shade.