This tropical fruit tree is the Java Plum, Syzygium cumini. It is also known as Jambolan, Jamun, Black Plum and Malabar Plum. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae, along with guava, allspice and Bay Rum.

The species is native across a broad region of tropical and subtropical Asia, extending into northern Australia, but it has been planted widely throughout the tropical world for its fruit, shade and ornamental value.

Java Plum can become a large evergreen tree with a dense, rounded crown. Mature specimens may provide deep shade, and the heavy branches can spread widely when the tree has enough room.

The leaves are simple, glossy and arranged in opposite pairs. They are leathery, with a prominent central vein and many fine side veins. When crushed, the foliage may release a mild aromatic scent, a common feature of the myrtle family.

New leaves may emerge reddish or bronze before gradually becoming dark green.

The flowers are small, pale cream or greenish-white and appear in branching clusters. They have many slender stamens, which give them a soft, brush-like appearance. Bees and other insects visit the flowers and help with pollination.

After flowering, the tree produces clusters of oval fruits. They begin green, then pass through pink or reddish stages before ripening to deep purple or almost black.

The ripe fruit has pale or purple-stained flesh surrounding a single large seed. Its flavor may range from sweet to sharply tart and slightly astringent. Eating the fruit can temporarily stain the tongue, lips and fingers purple.

Java Plums are eaten fresh and are also used to make juices, preserves, sauces, wines and other fermented drinks. In South Asia, where the fruit is commonly called jamun, it has considerable cultural and culinary importance.

Birds, bats and other animals readily eat the fruit and disperse the seeds. This makes the tree valuable to wildlife, but it can also allow the species to spread beyond cultivation.

In some regions outside its native range, Java Plum has become invasive. In Florida, for example, it is recognized as an invasive species because it can form dense stands and displace native vegetation.

The tree can also create a considerable mess when heavily laden with fruit. Ripe plums falling onto paths, vehicles or paving may leave dark purple stains.

Java Plum is therefore a tree with two very different reputations. It is valued for its shade, edible fruit and importance to wildlife, but in some places its ability to spread so successfully requires careful management.

When the tree is fruiting, the best feature to point out is the range of colors within a single cluster—from green immature fruit through pink and red to glossy, nearly black ripe plums.