Family: Myrtaceae
Common name: Dwarf black plum, Kuntala, Kuntu nerale, Indian blackberry, Njara, Pottinjaval, Cherunjara, Kuntangila, Bensa
Dwarf black plum tree is a small evergreen tree that is commonly found in India and Sri Lanka, but they can be grown in most tropical countries. These trees are well-known for their fragrant white flowers and edible purple fruits.
Tree characteristics
Dwarf black plum trees grow to a height of 3-6 meters with a thick reddish-brown bark that is well-branched, giving the tree a compact, rounded appearance.
Leaves are dark green and glossy, ovate in shape, about 5-8 cm long. These leaves are aromatic when crushed due to the essential oils present in them.
Flowers of the dwarf black plum tree are quite distinctive – beautiful, fluffy, white, pom-pom like flowers that bloom in plenty all over the plant. They are 2-3 cm in diameter with numerous white stamens.
The profusion of flowers and their sweet fragrance attract birds, bees, butterflies, and insects to them. Flowering usually happens in the summer months.
Fruits are produced in abundance on the Dwarf black plum tree – small, globose fruits that are initially green, slowly turning red and then purple as they mature.
These fruits are 1-2 cm in diameter, with a sweet, tart flavor. Fruits of the dwarf black plum tree can be eaten raw, or cooked to make jams and relishes.
Gardening tips
Dwarf black plum tree prefer warm, humid, tropical weather with a lot of sun. Since they are relatively small trees, they can be very easily grown in home gardens or in landscaped areas.
They need watering and care when the trees are small, but once the trees are mature, they do not need regular maintenance, making them ideal for parks and landscaped urban areas. Occasional fertilization can keep the tree healthy, yielding abundant fruits.
Pruning can be done to keep the Dwarf black plum tree healthy and well-rounded, and also to promote fruit production.
These trees are usually resistant to pests, but the leaves can be eaten by worms and caterpillars, which usually does not affect the flowering and fruit production.
Uses of Dwarf black plum tree
These trees are mostly grown as ornamentals, through their fruits have some medicinal uses in the treatment of inflammations, wounds, cuts, diabetes, and digestive disorders.
Since the fruits are small and tart, they are not as popular as the larger fruits of Syzygium cumini, also known as the Malabar Plum or Jamun.
But they can be eaten raw, and also used to make jams, jellies, juices, relishes, and beverages.
The wood is not very strong, and is used for light construction like kitchen implements or toys.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and stem cuttings.
Once the fruits ripen fully, they can be dried, soaked in water, and then planted in the soil to produce new trees. Stem cuttings from healthy trees also root well in the soil.
Photographed at: Lunuganga, Sri Lanka
