Scientific name: Syzygium cumini

GPS Location: 17° 42′ 56.76″ N, 64° 49′ 43.01″ W

Observations:

Phenological Markers – Java Plum (Syzygium cumini)

1. Leaf Behavior
Java Plum is typically evergreen in tropical climates like St. Croix.

• Leaves are opposite, leathery, and oblong, with a strong spicy scent when crushed.
• Occasional leaf drop may occur during the dry season (January–March), especially in older trees, but the canopy is quickly replenished.

Observation Tips:

• Track young leaf flushes, which emerge pinkish to light green and darken with age.
• Note any seasonal canopy thinning in response to drought or pruning.

2. Flowering
Produces clusters of small, creamy-white flowers on older branches, not just at the tips.

• Flowering typically occurs late dry to early wet season—around March to May.
• Flowers are fragrant, rich in nectar, and attract bees and other pollinators.

Observation Tips:

• Look for clusters of short flower spikes (panicles) along woody limbs.
• Document bloom density, pollinator activity, and duration of flowering.

3. Fruiting
Fruits are oval berries, starting green, turning pink, then deep purple-black when ripe.

• Fruiting usually follows flowering by a few months, peaking from June to August.
• The fruit is juicy, astringent when unripe, and sweet-tart when fully ripe.
• Seeds are dispersed by birds, bats, and humans.

Observation Tips:

• Monitor fruit color transitions, from green → red → purple-black.
• Track fruit drop and foraging activity by wildlife.
• Note fermentation odor under mature trees with heavy fruit fall.

4. Growth Habit
Java Plum can grow into a large, dense-canopied tree with a twisted trunk and smooth gray bark that flakes with age.

• Ideal for shade, but can become invasive if not managed—monitor for suckering or seedling spread nearby.

5. Seasonal Pattern (St. Croix)

• Jan–Mar: Occasional leaf turnover
• Mar–May: Flowering
• Jun–Aug: Fruiting
• Sep–Dec: Canopy maintenance; occasional leaf flush or stress response