Fauna
Plant

Java Plum

Syzygium cumini

Also known as Jambolan, Black Plum, Jamun, Jambul

Java plum forms a dense, spreading canopy of smooth, leathery leaves that emit a pleasant turpentine aroma when crushed. Clusters of small, fragrant white flowers bloom on old wood, developing into oblong fruits that mature from pink to deep purplish-black. Frugivorous birds and fruit bats consume the fallen and hanging drupes, spreading seeds widely across tropical lowlands where the tree readily establishes thickets.

EvergreenTropicalInvasive
Java Plum reference1 / 7
(c) Ben Machado, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic
Predators
  • Fruit bats
  • Avian frugivores
ThreatsTargeted for removal in invasive ranges; habitat conversion in native ranges
HabitatsTropical moist forests, riverbanks, wetlands, disturbed lands
Life span100+ years
Classification
  1. OrderMyrtales
  2. FamilyMyrtaceae
  3. GenusSyzygium
  4. SpeciesSyzygium cumini
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
  • Observation: Look for dark purple fruit stains on sidewalks and soil beneath ripe canopies.
  • Identification: Crush a fresh leaf to confirm the characteristic eucalyptus-like scent.
  • Habitat Note: Check tropical stream margins where water currents aid in seed dispersal.
Related species
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?

Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.

Checking your Fauna account…