Syzygium cumini 'Thai King'
Common Names: Thai King Jamun, Thai Java Plum, King Jamun
Local Name: Thai King Naval (Tamil), Thai King Jamun (Hindi)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Thailand; selected cultivar of Syzygium cumini
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen tree
Variety: Thai King — large fruit (3–5 cm), sweeter than common jamun, less astringent
Average Lifespan: 60–100+ years
| Growth Habit | Large evergreen tree with dense, rounded canopy |
| Plant Size | 10–18 meters tall; canopy spread 8–12 meters |
| Leaves | Opposite, elliptic-oblong, 10–18 cm long; leathery, glossy dark green |
| Flowers | Small, fragrant, creamy-white, in terminal and axillary clusters |
| Flower Characteristics | Brush-like with numerous stamens; fragrant; attract bees and flies |
| Fruit | Large oblong drupe, 3–5 cm long; significantly larger than common jamun; juicy, sweet |
| Fruit Color | Deep purple to black when ripe; thick, dark juice |
| Seed Characteristics | Single seed, proportionally smaller than common jamun; more pulp ratio |
| Root System | Deep taproot with extensive lateral roots |
| Climate | Tropical to subtropical; thrives in hot, humid conditions |
| Temperature Range | 25–38°C ideal; frost-sensitive; needs warm climate |
| Rainfall Requirement | 1000–2500 mm annually; tolerates seasonal drought |
| Soil Type | Deep, well-drained loamy to alluvial soil; tolerates clay |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–7.5 |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun (6+ hours daily) |
| Spacing | 8–10 meters between trees |
| Irrigation Method | Basin or drip irrigation; regular watering during fruiting for larger fruit |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; increase during fruiting season |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Young grafted trees in large pots (50+ liters); will limit size |
| Fertilizer Schedule | 3 times per year; pre-flowering, during fruiting, post-harvest |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | FYM, vermicompost, neem cake, bone meal, potash |
| Pesticide Frequency | Minimal; monitor during fruiting |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil, fruit fly traps, pheromone traps |
| Mulching Practice | Thick organic mulch to retain moisture during fruiting |
| Training System | Modified central leader; maintain accessible height |
| Pruning Time | After harvest (August–September) |
| How to Prune | Remove dead wood; thin canopy; maintain shape for easy harvest |
| Common Pests | Fruit fly, leaf miner, white fly, bark borer |
| Common Diseases | Leaf spot, anthracnose, sooty mold |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Good air circulation, copper sprays, remove fallen fruit |
| Flowering Months | March–May |
| Fruiting Season | June–August; large fruit clusters |
| Days to Harvest | 60–90 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit turns deep purple-black, large size, sweet with mild astringency |
| Average Yield per Plant | 60–200 kg per tree (mature); heavy bearer |
| Pollination Type | Cross-pollination by insects |
| Pollination Notes | Bees and flies are primary pollinators; self-fertile but cross-pollination improves yield |
| Pollination Details | Insect-pollinated; fragrant flowers attract diverse pollinators |
| Propagation by Seeds | Polyembryonic seeds germinate in 1–2 weeks; seedlings variable |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Difficult; air layering possible |
| Propagation by Grafting | Softwood or veneer grafting on common jamun rootstock (preferred); fruits in 3–5 years |
| Water Usage | Low to moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Deep roots prevent erosion; excellent shade tree |
| Organic Practices Used | Minimal inputs needed; panchagavya, jeevamrutha |
| Companion Plants | Shade-tolerant crops, turmeric, ginger |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Fruit feeds birds, bats, and wildlife; large canopy provides habitat |
| Commercial Production Regions | Thailand, India, Southeast Asia |
| Market Uses | Premium fresh fruit, juice, specialty markets |
| Processing Uses | Juice, jam, wine, vinegar, dried fruit |
| Market Value (Approx.) | ₹80–200 per kg (premium variety); grafted plants ₹300–600 |
| Symbolism | Jamun is sacred in Hinduism and Buddhism; "Jambudvipa" (land of jamun) is an ancient name for India |
| Traditional Uses | Fruit, bark, and seeds used in Ayurveda; seed powder for blood sugar management; bark for oral health |
| Calories | 60 kcal per 100g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.9 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | 18 mg per 100g |
| Vitamin A | 3 IU per 100g |
| Iron | 1.2 mg per 100g |
| Potassium | 79 mg per 100g |
| Antioxidants | Rich in anthocyanins, ellagic acid, gallic acid |
| Other Key Nutrients | Calcium, phosphorus, jamboline alkaloid |
| Anxiety & Sleep | Not a primary use |
| Immune Support | Vitamin C and anthocyanins support immune function |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Bark and seed extracts show anti-inflammatory activity |
| Heart Health | Anthocyanins support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | Astringent properties aid digestion; seed powder used in traditional diabetes management |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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