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It’s sacred, shady and crooked
The Madan grows in the low country dry zone and is often found near riverbeds and tanks. It has a straight trunk and drooping twigs. However near water it usually grows with a crooked stem. The bark is light grey and rough with depressions where the bark is peeling off. The leaves which are a fresh green are coppery when young and yellow when old. These leaves when crushed give a distinct smell of turpentine.

The flowers of the Madan are tiny, numerous and white. They attract bees to the tree. The blooming period is between May and August. The purple-black fruits which are about an inch long are edible and are described as being “fit for boys and birds” (Ceylon Trees by T.B. Worthington). These fruits are acidic but also sweetish and are used in puddings.

The juice of the ripe fruits provides a liquor which is used to make vinegar.
The tree provides timber which is water resistant and is used for making bridges. The bark is used in dyeing and tanning processes. It is also used as a cure for dysentery. With its sometimes crooked stem and drooping branches the tree is also often grown for shade. In India the tree is sacred to Lord Krishna and is grown near Hindu temples.

The Madan is known in Tamil as the Peru Naval and in English as the Java Plum or Indian Allspice. The scientific name is Syzygium cumini. It was also referred to as Eugenia jambolana to honour Prince Eugene of Savoy who was a patron of botany in the 17th century. Jambolana refers to the name of the Madan in Portuguese. The Madan is found in India, Sri Lanka and Burma.
Compiled by: Ruk Rakaganno, The Tree Society of Sri Lanka.
Please write in with your ideas, comments and suggestions to Ruk Rakaganno - 2554438; email: rukraks@sltnet.lk

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