Description: A large evergreen tree with dense foliage, opposite glossy leaves, fragrant flowers and dark purple-black fruits.

Identification: Opposite glossy leaves; pale flowers; oblong purple-black fruits with a single seed.

Habitat & distribution: Native across tropical and subtropical Asia, including India.

Uses / importance: Fruits are edible and widely consumed. The tree is important for shade, wildlife and traditional uses.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom – Plantae
Clade – Angiosperms
Clade – Eudicots
Order – Myrtales
Family – Myrtaceae
Genus – Syzygium
Species – S. cumini

Sources: Kew POWO; India Biodiversity Portal.