Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. (MYRTACEAE)
Common names
Kannada: Kunnerael, Bilinerale.
Malayalam: Pula.
Description: These are trees with pale brown bark. The leaves are arranged oppositely, with an ovate or elliptic-lanceolate shape, measuring 7-9 x 2.5-3.2 cm. They are acuminate, rounded, or narrowed at the base, and acuminate at the apex, featuring a coriaceous texture. The upper surface turns black when dry, and the petiole can reach up to 5 mm in length. Cymes panicled, axillary and terminal. Flowers small, in axillary and terminal many-flowered paniculate cymes, in clusters of 3-5 at the ends of the cyme branches, white. Calyx tube funnel shaped; lobes 4-5, distinct. Petals 4-5, orbicular, usually calyptrate. Staminal disc absent. Stamens numerous. Ovary inferior, 2-locular. Fruit a berry, globose, ca 8 mm across, pure white. Seed solitary.
Flowering and Fruiting: February – May.
Distribution: India: Western Peninsula, Orissa, Silhit. Frequent in forest undergrowth of upper Western Ghats, 600 – 900 m. Sri Lanka, Sumatra, Borneo and Malaya.
Uses: Fruits edible. Timber used for construction and agricultural implements. The bark is a source of a black dye. Plant stimulant, used in rheumatism, syphilis, uterine problems; decoction of leaf and root used as vermifuge.