Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Syzygium Cumini Information – Uses and Benefits

Syzygium Cumini Syzygium Cumini Syzygium Cumini

Syzygium cumini or the jambolan is a fast growing tree which does well in a very wide variety of climatic conditions and is found in tropical and sub-tropical climates. It can grow in a variety of soils (loam, marl, sandy, calcareous etc.). It develops best in areas with heavy rainfall and is usually found in areas receiving 900 – 5000 mm of rain in India. Syzygium cumini is useful as a fruit producer, an ornamental tree and for its timber and has been introduced in many different regions. Growth of the Syzygium cumini excludes other species as it forms a dense cover and this property has caused it to be invasive in Hawaii, Cook Islands, and French Polynesia where it prevents re-establishment of native lowland forests. Herbicides are being employed in Hawaii in an effort to control its spread.

Syzygium Cumini HerbTarts, sauces and jams are made out of the jambolan fruit and it can also be eaten raw. Good quality jambolan juice can make excellent sherbet, syrup and squash. A wine, which is like Port, can be made out of the fruit. In Goa and the Philippines, jambolans are an important source of wine. Distilled liquors, brandy and “jambava” can also be made from the fermented fruit. Furthermore it the fruit can also be used to make vinegar.

Syzygium CuminiOne of the most important uses of the Syzygium cumini is in apiculture (beekeeping for honey) as the flowers have abundant nectar and the honey produced is of very good quality. The leaves can be used as food for tasser silkworms in India and as feed for livestock. The distilled leaves yield an essential oil which is used to scent soaps and is blended with other chemicals to make inexpensive perfumes.

Jambolan bark extracts yield brown dyes of various shades and is used in tanning leather and preserving fishing nets due to its high tannin content (19%). The kiln dried heartwood is hard and difficult to work but can be polished very nicely. It is commonly used for beams rafters, posts, bridges, oars, boats and many other applications. The wood is resistant to termites and water.

Syzygium CuminiThe fruit has antistringent, stomachic, carminative, antiscorbutic and diuretic properties and the leaves and fruit are used in various forms to make natural treatments for a very wide variety of problems like diarrhea, diabetes, ringworms and many more.

Syzygium cumini is venerated by Buddhists and is commonly found near Hindu temples because it is considered to be sacred to Krishna.

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