Jambos (Syzygium jambos, H.Trimen, Handb. Fl. Ceylon 6(Suppl.): 115 (1931))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: (L.) Alston

Bibliography: H.Trimen, Handb. Fl. Ceylon 6(Suppl.): 115 (1931)

Year: 1931

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Syzygium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Himalaya to China (S. Yunnan) and W. Malesia

Description

Jambos (Syzygium jambos)

Jambos, scientifically known as Syzygium jambos, is a captivating species belonging to the family Myrtaceae. This remarkable plant is renowned for its ornamental and medicinal properties. H. Trimen, in his comprehensive work Handbook of the Flora of Ceylon, published a detailed account of this species in 1931. The entry was later revised and authenticated by Alston.

Originating from the Himalayan region, Jambos now enjoys a widespread presence from the high altitudes of China, specifically in the southern province of Yunnan, to the lush and diverse landscapes of Western Malesia. This wide geographical distribution highlights the plant’s adaptability to various climatic conditions and terrains.

Jambos is often admired for its attractive, lush green foliage and distinctive flowers that add beauty to gardens and natural settings alike. The tree produces unique fruits, which are edible and have been used in traditional medicine across various cultures. The fruits are known for their refreshing, mildly sweet flavor, and they can be consumed raw or used in culinary preparations.

The presence of Jambos in diverse regions underscores its ecological versatility and importance. It plays a significant role in local ecosystems, contributing to biodiversity and providing food and habitat for various wildlife species. Moreover, it holds cultural significance in many communities, often being associated with various traditional practices and local lore.

In summary, Jambos, or Syzygium jambos, is not just a plant of botanical interest but also a cultural and ecological asset across its native and introduced ranges. Its rich history, spanning from the Himalayan mountain range to the far reaches of Malesia, reflects its enduring appeal and importance in natural and human landscapes.

Common Names

Eng: malabar plum, malabar-plum, jambos, rose-apple, plum rose, rose apple
Deu: rosenapfelbaum
Por: jambo, jambo-amarelo, jambo-cheiroso, jambo-de-malabar, jambo-moreno
Spa: jambo-rosa, manzana rosa, pomarrosa, yambo
Afr: jamboes
Fra: jambosier, pomme rose, jamrosa
Swe: rosenäpple
En: Jambos, Rose-apple, Malabar-plum, Malabar plum, Plum Rose, Rose Apple, Pomarrosa, Apel en wai, Kavika ni India
Af: Jamboes
Fr: Jambosier, Pomme rose, Jamrosa, Jamrosat, Jambrosade
De: Rosenapfelbaum
Pt: Jambo, Jambo-amarelo, Jambo-cheiroso, Jambo-de-malabar, Jambo-moreno, Jambeiro, Jambo amarelo, Maçâ rosa
Es: Manzana rosa, Pomarrosa, Yambo, Jambo-rosa, Poma-rosa
Sv: Rosenäpple

Synonyms

• Syzygium monanthum ((Merr.) Merr. & L.M.Perry)
• Plinia jambos ((L.) M.Gómez)
• Syzygium jambos var. linearilimbum (H.T.Chang & R.H.Miao)
• Eugenia monantha (Merr.)
• Jambosa jambos ((L.) Millsp.)
• Eugenia jambos (L.)
• Eugenia jambosa (Crantz)
• Eugenia malaccensis f. cericarpa ((O.Deg.) H.St.John)
• Eugenia jamboides (Wender.)
• Jambosa palembanica (Blume)
• Jambosa malaccensis f. cericarpa (O.Deg.)
• Jambosa leptostachya (Blume)
• Myrtus jambos ((L.) Kunth)
• Syzygium leptostachyum ((Blume) Merr. & L.M.Perry)
• Eugenia vulgaris (Baill.)
• Jambosa vulgaris (DC.)

Distribution

• Assam (native)
• Bangladesh (native)
• Borneo (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• Laos (native)
• Lesser Sunda Is. (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Andaman Is. (introduced)
• Angola (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• Brazil Northeast (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Cayman Is. (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• China Southeast (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Easter Is. (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Florida (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Guinea (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)
• Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
• Hainan (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• Mexico Southeast (introduced)
• Mexico Southwest (introduced)
• Nansei-shoto (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Ogasawara-shoto (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Pitcairn Is. (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Vanuatu (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Wallis-Futuna Is. (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jul 13, 2021 by gyurme yeshe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by AK Bhatnagar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by cy Mun (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Forest & Kim Starr (cc-by)

Taken Dec 4, 2022 by Arta (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 5, 2022 by parfait yao (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Jean-Marc Escoubas (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 27, 2009 by Gimenez Herve (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 27, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 19, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 21, 2021 by Rosy Camus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 18, 2020 by benabdesslam nacerddine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2017 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 24, 2020 by menina dona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 12, 2020 by Alba meco (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Nov 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 8, 2021 by Carolina Schueda (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2014 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 24, 2012 by H. Goëau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 20, 2012 by P. Bonnet (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 29, 2018 by limor (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Leiticia DIMBA (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3183534)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:601802-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston)

Specifications

Growth habit: Tree

Growth