26 May 2022

Monsoon Fruit (ThursdayTreeLove)

As the rains begin, and mangoes go off the shelves, its time to enjoy other fruits. Jamun or Jambhul is one that immediately comes to mind. Its a common tree in Pune and it flowers and fruits profusely here. In the monsoon, the raindrops carry the fruit down to the ground with them. The streets are lined purple as the fruit is squashed underfoot or beneath vehicle tyres. 

Jambhul or Jamun goes by the botanical name Syzyium cumini and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It finds a place on my TTL post, simply because the tree has just finished flowering and I wanted to share these unique flowers with everyone.  

Jamun is an evergreen tree and its flowers are hidden in the shiny smooth leaves. The leaves are aromatic when crushed which is typical of the Myrtaceae family.

 The tree blooms in April-May and the green fruit ripens to a deep purple by June-July. It is common in public gardens, home gardens and even by the roadside in my city. 

The fruits are delicate, crush easily and expert tree climbers come around to harvest them from the trees. The fruit has a typical sharp taste and stains the mouth once eaten. The pulp can also stain clothes if one is clumsy when eating! 

Jamun also called Indian Blackberry or Black Plum

Jamuns are typically sold on hand carts in Pune, the sellers walk around the city calling out to folks to come out and buy these juicy delights. 

I must add, that personally I don't like the Jamun but those who do enjoy it are its dedicated fans!! 

Have you seen the Jamun tree? Do you enjoy its fruit?

I am joining Parul in her ThursdayTreeLove bloghop. Do head over to see some wonderful trees from around the world. Better still, join in!



16 comments:

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

I've not heard of those, very unusual.
https://linsdoodles.wordpress.com/2022/05/26/thursday-treelove-130/

Alana said...

I've never seen this tree and never tasted its fruit. My climate would kill this tree after a few months, I suspect. It's amazing how many trees exist in this world, each adapted to a particular climate range, and all providing food, shade, and so much more to the other types of creatures in this world.

Pooja Mahimkar said...

I know of Jamun of couse but have never seen it like this on a tree, so beautiful!

Archana said...

@linsartyblobs Happy to share a new species! Thanks for stopping by!

Archana said...

@Alana Yes indeed. There is amazing plant diversity around the world!! Thanks for stopping by!

Archana said...

@Pooja Thank you so much! :-)

Dr Genevive Angela said...

I have seen the jamuns and eaten too, they are sold everywhere in the market, streets, neighborhood. It is very common, but i have never seen the tree, thank you for sharing the pictures of theses trees. They say it is good for people with diabetes, don't know whether its true.

Vinitha said...

I think in Kerala we call this fruit 'njaval pazham'. I am not sure though. Thank you for sharing, Archana.

Parul said...

I like Jamun - not love them like mangoes but yes, I do. I thin they have a distinct flavor and stands out. Growing up, I have picked jamuns and soiled my clothes around jamun trees. Glad you joined with this one, Archana. I always learn a thing or two with you around.

Pragun said...

Have seen Jamun tree long back, your pics refreshed the memories. The berries look so nice in a bunch on the tree. Thanks for sharing.

Archana said...

@Angela Yes, I too have heard about Jamun's benefits for Diabetes. Thanks for stopping by!

Archana said...

@Vinitha Thank you so much! :-)

Archana said...

@Parul Thank you so much! That is humbling for me! Happy to participate in TTL!

Archana said...

@Pragun Thank you so much! :-)

joannaoftheforest said...

Such beautifully delicate looking flowers. The fruit looks so shiny is appears almost metallic.

dee Nambiar said...

Nice to see the Jamun trees flowers and leaves.
Thank you, Archana. :)