INDIAN BLACKBERRY TREE
The Indian Blackberry tree, scientifically known as Syzigium Cumini, ‘Jambu Phalinda’ in Sanskrit, Jambu or Jamun in Hindi, or the Indian Blackberry in English and Njaval in Malayalam is one of the plants native to India. However, it may also be found in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. This tall tree reaches a height of around 60–100 feet. Because of its multi-branched crown form, the tree remains thick and shaded all year. It blooms in February and March and produces fruit between May and July once a year.
The leathery fruit has a long and storied history in Indian mythology. Lord Ram is claimed to have lived on the Jamun for years following his exile from Ayodhya. His skin is often compared to the fruit’s silky feel, and temples dedicated to him will always have at least one Jamun tree. Lord Megha, the God of the Clouds, is claimed to have come down to Earth in the form of a Jamun, which explains why fruit’s colour is as dark and stormy as the monsoon clouds.
The tree is native to India, and the fruit is known as “God’s Fruit.”The fruits of the tree are exceedingly tasty; one who regularly eats the juice of the Jambu does not suffer from old age, sickness, and may even defy death…” — Chapter 46, Verse 28/29 of the Vayu Purana (a Sanskrit scripture and one of Hinduism’s eighteen main Puranas).
The ancient Puranas describe the cosmos as split into seven concentric island continents, including the Jambudvpa, literally “the land of the Jambu trees,” at its centre. These trees are reported as being as enormous as elephants in the Vishnu Purana, and when the fruit they bear goes rotten and falls into the hilly slopes, their rich purple juice forms a lovely river.
Because the Njaval fruit is considered sacred to Krishna, it is frequently grown around Hindu temples and for shade. Fruits are used for jams, jellies, and preserves making. Honey is produced mainly from blossoms. The bark is astringent in medicine. The seeds have antidiabetic properties.
According to the Srimad Bhagavatam commentary (verse 10.30.25), “Sri Rupa Chintamani” and “Ananda Candrika” by Srila Visvanatha Chakravarti Thakura, Krishna has four emblems of the jambu fruit on his right foot. S. cumini leaves are used in Maharashtra to decorate wedding pandals. In addition to the fruits, the wood from the neredu tree (known in the region’s language, Telugu) is used to create bullock cartwheels and other agricultural equipment in Andhra Pradesh. The wood is utilised in the construction of doors and windows.
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