Flacourtia jangomas
| Indian plum (Flacourtia jangomas) | |
|---|---|
| |
| Scientific name | Flacourtia jangomas |
| Common names | Indian plum; coffee plum; Runealma plum |
| Genus | Flacourtia |
| Family | Salicaceae |
| Order | Malpighiales |
| Fruit type | Berry |
| Growth form | Small, spiny evergreen tree |
| Native range | Tropical Asia, including India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia |
| Climate and site | Hot, humid tropical lowlands; full sun |
| Mature size | Up to about 10 m, usually smaller |
| Propagation | Seed; layering and grafting |
| Fruit | Dark-red globose fruit, about 1 cm, mildly acidic and sometimes astringent |
| Harvest | Harvest fully colored fruit; regional timing varies |
| Years to fruit | N/A; a supported species-wide bearing-age value is not established |
Indian plum (Flacourtia jangomas; also coffee plum and Runealma plum) is a small, spiny evergreen tree in the family Salicaceae. It is cultivated in tropical Asia and elsewhere for small dark-red fruit used fresh and in preserves. The accepted scientific name is distinct from other cultivated Flacourtia species.[1][2]
Description[edit | edit source]
The tree branches low on the bole, is usually smaller than its reported maximum of about 10 m, and has spiny growth. The fruit is a succulent globose berry about 1 cm long. It becomes dark red when ripe and contains firm flesh with a pleasant mildly acidic flavor; astringency varies and may be reduced before cooking.[2][3]
Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]
The recorded range covers tropical parts of India, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Malaysia. The species account also notes that it is not known in a truly wild state and may have arisen in cultivation. That uncertainty matters when interpreting habitat: warm monsoon and lowland cultivation settings are documented, but one precise native soil or rainfall profile should not be assumed.[2]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Provide a hot, humid tropical setting, full sun, and fertile soil that drains freely after rain. The species is described from tropical lowlands and is cultivated for fruit, but a reliable species-wide cold limit has not been established. Protect young trees from freezes and drying winds; the spines and low branching make early structural pruning worthwhile near paths.[4]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
Use fertile, moisture-holding soil with good drainage. Maintain regular moisture through active growth, especially during the warm season, but do not leave the root zone stagnant. Where the ground is heavy or flood-prone, plant on a mound or raised bed. A seasonal dry period can be tolerated by established trees if the root zone is deep, but drought during flowering and fruit enlargement may reduce the crop.[4]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Full sun is the documented cultivation position. Warm humid air matches the tropical-lowland setting. Young plants should be acclimated gradually if moved from shade, and airflow should be maintained around the dense, low-branching canopy to reduce prolonged leaf wetness.[4]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The range includes monsoon climates with seasonal changes in rainfall, but a universal flowering and harvest calendar is not established. Increase irrigation during the local dry season when new growth, flowering, or fruit enlargement is underway. During prolonged wet weather, prioritize drainage and airflow rather than allowing the root zone to remain saturated.[2][4]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed, layering, and grafting are documented methods. Sow fresh seed in a warm, evenly moist medium and protect seedlings while they develop their thorny stems. Layering or grafting is useful when a grower wants to retain a tree with better flavor, larger fruit, or reduced astringency. Comparative rooting and grafting percentages, and a dependable age to first fruit, have not been established.[2]
The species is dioecious. Female trees may fruit without a nearby male, but keeping male and female plants together is expected to improve crop reliability. Treat the sex of an unflowered seedling as unknown rather than assuming that a single young tree will set a full crop.[4]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Flowering and fruiting timing varies with region and tree sex. Harvest when the fruit is fully colored and has developed its characteristic flavor. Fruit is perishable and is best used fresh or processed soon after picking. No supported species-wide bearing age or fixed harvest month is available, so use local records for scheduling.[2][4]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is eaten out of hand and is more commonly made into jellies, jams, and preserves. The flesh is firm, dark red, and mildly acidic, with astringency that varies among trees. Rubbing or soaking fruit before cooking is reported as a way to moderate astringency. Young shoots are also eaten in some regional food traditions.[2]
Photos[edit | edit source]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ [1] GBIF species match: Flacourtia jangomas. Accepted exact species match; taxonomy, family, and order.
- ↑ [2] Useful Tropical Plants: Flacourtia jangomas. Habit, range, habitat, cultivation, fruit, uses, and propagation.
- ↑ [3] Plants of the World Online: Flacourtia jangomas. Kew accepted-name and distribution search record.
- ↑ [4] FAO RAP 2001/26, Under-utilized Tropical Fruits of Thailand. Regional tropical-fruit reference and crop lead; the species treatment is used as a regional cross-check.
