Syzygium polycephalum
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Syzygium polycephalum [1] |
| Image | 
|
| Common names | Menteng; Kepundung [2] |
| Genus | Syzygium |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Growth form | Small to medium-sized evergreen or semi-evergreen fruit tree [2] |
| Native range | Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia [2] |
| Mature size | About 8–20 m tall [2] |
| Climate/site | Warm, humid tropical and monsoon climates; secondary forest and home gardens from about 200–1,800 m [2] |
| Propagation | Fresh seed, sown promptly after ripening [2] |
| Fruit | Fleshy, sour fruit eaten raw or cooked; used for jelly [2] |
| Harvest | Pick fully ripe fruit; a species-wide harvest calendar is not established [2] |
| Years to fruit | N/A; a supported bearing-age interval is not established |
Syzygium polycephalum is a Southeast Asian fruit tree known as menteng or kepundung. It is cultivated in home gardens in Java, and its ripe fruits are eaten fresh or cooked. The accepted name is supported by a high-confidence exact GBIF match in the family Myrtaceae and order Myrtales [1] and by the Plants of the World Online taxonomic search [3].
Description[edit | edit source]
Syzygium polycephalum is a small to medium-sized tree about 8–20 m tall. It is associated with secondary forests and cultivated home gardens in Indonesia, including Java, at elevations of approximately 200–1,800 m [2]. The species has fleshy fruits and young shoots that are gathered for local use [2].
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
A deep, organic, well-drained soil with steady moisture suits a humid forest fruit tree. Keep the root zone moist during active growth, while avoiding prolonged stagnant water. Species-specific soil-pH limits and irrigation quantities are not established.
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Warm, humid air suits the species' tropical and monsoon setting. Young trees can be established with shelter and filtered light; mature trees can be moved toward brighter exposure as they develop. Provide airflow in wet conditions and avoid severe drying of the root zone.
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The plant is associated with warm, seasonally wet regions rather than a cold dormant climate. Maintain more consistent irrigation during dry months and reduce watering only when rainfall and soil moisture remain adequate. Flowering and harvest timing vary by region and are not established as a single species-wide calendar.
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Sow fresh seed as soon as it is ripe. Use a clean, free-draining medium and keep it evenly moist in warm filtered light. Do not store seed for long periods before sowing; a reliable germination percentage and germination time are not established [2].
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Pollinating insects, including bees, are associated with the species [2]. Flowering and fruiting timing is regionally variable. Pick fruit when fully ripe for the best eating quality; a dependable years-to-fruit interval and a universal harvest season are not established. The tree is cultivated as a fruit plant in Java [2].
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
Ripe fruit is eaten raw or cooked and has an agreeable sour taste. It is also used to make jelly [2]. Young leaves and shoots may be cooked as a vegetable or eaten raw with rice in local food traditions [2]. No medicinal use is established for this species. The wood is used in house construction [2].
References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Commons file page — photograph by Si Gam, CC BY-SA 4.0. The image shows Syzygium polycephalum fruits in a traditional market in Bukit Duri, Jakarta, Indonesia; attribution and share-alike terms apply.
