Description
The Java Plum (Syzygium Cumini) grows extremely fast, and the fruit tastes like a grape. They are giant trees, but you can keep them a decent size by regularly pruning them.
Jamun fruits are small, round berries that typically measure around 2-4 centimeters in diameter. When ripe, they have a deep purple-to-black colour and glossy skin.
The flavour of Jamun is unique, combining sweet and slightly sour notes. The flesh of the fruit is juicy and has a distinctive astringent taste.
Syzygium cumini is a tropical tree best known for its medicinal qualities and health benefits. It is also known as the Malabar plum, black plum, or jambul; amongst other names. Amazingly, almost the entire plant (including the roots, leaves, and stem) has curative qualities.
It’s a hardy plant that can live up to about 100 years and is a delight to grow in your garden.
PLEASE NOTE: Imported Tropical Trees are small in size.
Position
These trees are hardy and can survive most conditions except extreme cold and frost. They enjoy the sun and grow high above other trees, so they don’t need to compete for the sun. They should be planted 12 m apart for fruit production and six m apart if you use them as a windbreak.
Size
This plum tree can reach 30 m tall and 11 m wide when fully mature (about 40 years old) if planted in a tropical climate.
Soil type
Java plums can tolerate soil (including sandy or loamy soils) with various pH levels. This makes them particularly easy to grow, no matter where you are. They thrive optimally in well-drained sandy soil with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Add a bag of acid compost to your soil, and your tree will love it.
Mulch
When growing Java plums in drier areas, mulch will help to maintain the moisture in the soil around the tree. Use organic material like wood chips or old leaves and place them around the base of your tree (especially young trees). Be careful not to allow them to touch the tree trunk, though, as this will likely cause it to rot.
Watering
Java plum trees grown in subtropical or tropical areas do not usually need to be watered as the humid conditions and regular rainfall are enough. However, watering them fairly generously and frequently in most parts of South Africa will be necessary.
Fertilising
Use compost as a fertiliser for young trees to promote rapid growth. Once the tree begins to bear fruit (usually between 8 and 10 years old), give an organic fertiliser after flowering and fruiting so it doesn’t over-produce green foliage.
Pruning
It’s not usually necessary to prune the Java plum tree unless you want to keep it smaller.
Pests
Scale insects like the Java plum and caterpillars may enjoy the leaves.
Harvesting
This tree produces abundant fruit. A single branch that is only five years old can produce up to 500 plums. These need to be picked by hand.
