Syzygium cumini
Common Name: Java plum
Family: Myrtaceae
Common Synonyms: Syzygium jambolana
USDA Hardiness Zone: 10b-11
Growth Habit: Tree
Origin: Southeast Asia, India
FISC Category: 1
FDACS Listed Noxious Weed: No
Introduction Date: 1911
IFAS Assessment:
- North: OK
- Central: OK
- South: INVASIVE
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Description
Evergreen tree to 25 m tall, young stems grayish white, lower bark coarse and discolored. Leaves opposite, simple, entire, elliptic to broadly oblong, smooth, glossy, somewhat leathery, 5-10 cm long, short pointed at tips, leaf midrib prominent, yellowish, lateral veins many, closely parallel, petioles to 3 cm long. Inflorescences in branched clusters at stem tips. Flowers white to pinkish, about 1 cm across, calyx cuplike, 4 petals fused into a cap, stamens many. Fruit an ovoid, 1-seeded berry to 2 cm long, dark purplish red, shiny, flesh white to lavender.
Habitat
Wet pinelands and higher areas in swamps and marshes
Comments
Seeds dispersed by birds and mammals, including racoons and wild hogs. Found only where minimum temperatures are above 35F.
Control Methods
- Manual: NA
- Chemical: Cut stump: 50% Triclopyr ester 61.6% L 3A or 10% Triclopyr ester 61.6% L. Basal bark: 10%-20% Triclopyr ester 61.6% L or Triclopyr ester 13.6% L.
- Biological: NA
Control Notes
NA
References
Langeland, K.A., H.M. Cherry, C.M. McCormick, K.C. Burks. 2008. Identification and Biology of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas-Second Edition. IFAS Publication SP 257. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.
Langeland, K.A., J.A. Ferrell, B. Sellers, G.E. MacDonald, and R.K. Stocker. 2011. Integrated management of non-native plants in natural areas of Florida. EDIS publication SP 242. University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida.