Syzygium cordatum

Life-forms

Classification System: APG IV

Superregnum: Eukaryota
Regnum: Plantae
Cladus: Angiosperms
Cladus: Eudicots
Cladus: Core eudicots
Cladus: Rosids
Cladus: Eurosids II
Ordo: Myrtales

Familia: Myrtaceae
Subfamilia: Myrtoideae
Tribus: Syzygieae
Genus: Syzygium
Species: Syzygium cordatum
Name

Syzygium cordatum Hochst. ex C.Krauss
References

Flora, oder (Allgemeine) Botanischer Zeitung. Regensberg, Jena 27:425. 1844
USDA, ARS, Germplasm Resources Information Network. Syzygium cordatum in the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN), U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service. Accessed: 09-Oct-10.

Vernacular names
English: water berry
Nederlands: waterbessie
русский: Сизигиум сердцевидный

Syzygium cordatum is an evergreen, water-loving tree, which grows to a height of 8–15 m. This tree is often found near streams, on forest margins or in swampy spots. The leaves are elliptic to circular, bluish green on top and a paler green below. Young leaves are reddish. The white to pinkish fragrant flowers are borne in branched terminals and have numerous fluffy stamens and produce abundant nectar. It flowers from August to November. The fruits are oval berries, red to dark-purple when ripe.

Common names are waterbessie (Afrikaans), undoni, umSwi, umJoni and hute (Shona), trâm mốc, trâm vối or vối rừng (Vietnamese). "Water berry" is also used for other species of Syzygium.

Distribution

Occurs along streambanks from Kwazulu-Natal northwards to Zimbabwe and Mozambique. It grows in forest margins, in bush or open grassy and sometimes high country.
Uses
This tree is known for its many uses. The fleshy fruit is slightly acidic in flavour and is eaten by children, monkeys, bush-babies, bats and birds. The berries are also used to sometimes make an alcoholic drink. The powdered bark is used as a fish poison. In central Africa the tree is known as a remedy for stomach ache and diarrhoea. It is also used to treat respiratory ailments and tuberculosis