Download Duhat (Syzygium cumini) - Visayas State University

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VICARP R & D INFORMATION SHEETS
Printed with official permission from PCARRD, the PROSEA representative in the Philippines
Sources of Information:
Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA)
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources Research & Development (PCARRD)
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
Department of Agriculture (Batangas Provincial Office)
Duhat
(Syzygium cumini)
Duhat needs very little care and attention. At the
backyard level, it is valued more as a shade tree
rather than a fruit tree. However, with the
introduction of new crop improvement technologies,
the crop deserves attention to further explore its
various potential uses.
Description
Also known as ‘jambolan’ or "Lomboy" in the
Visayas, duhat is a medium to large-sized tree
reaching up to 20 m tall. The leaves are opposite,
darkgreen, leathery, thick, 5-25 cm long and 2-10
cm wide. The flowers in clusters are usually borne on leafless branches. Flowers are fragrant. The fruits are oblong
berries, 15 cm long and dark violet when ripe. The flesh is gray yellow to violet, juicy, sour, and contains an
oblong, green to brown seed.
Variety
Duhat trees of seedling origin abound in many places in the Philippines. From these trees, some outstanding
selections have been made. Three cultivars that can be asexually propagated are the ‘Seedless’, ‘Giant’ and ‘Sta.
Fe’. Other countries have their own duhat cultivars.
Uses
The ripe fruit is usually eaten fresh. It contains .2%-. 7% protein, .3% fat and 14%-16% carbohydrates on freshweight basis. The fruit may also be made into juice, jelly or wine. The bark is an astringent and may be used as a
gargle. It can also be used for dyeing.
Seeds in powdered form may be helpful in treating diabetes, dysentery, diarrhea, and other ailments.
Soil and Climatic Requirements
Duhat grows best in the tropics at elevations up to 600 m. It thrives well in regions with over 1000 mm annual
rainfall as well as in places with prolonged and distinct dry season. It thrives on a variety of soils in low, wet areas
and on higher, well-drained land.
2
VICARP R & D INFORMATION SHEETS
Printed with official permission from PCARRD, the PROSEA representative in the Philippines
Sources of Information:
Plant Resources of South-East Asia (PROSEA)
Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry & Natural Resources Research & Development (PCARRD)
University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB)
Department of Agriculture (Batangas Provincial Office)
Cultural Management
Seeds, the offspring of which do not come true-to-type, generally propagate Duhat. Known cultivars should be
propagated asexually by marcotting, inarching, budding or grafting. In marcotting, rooted branches may be
separated within 90 days from girdling. Grafting and budding are employed for large-scale propagation. In the
Philippines, cleft grafting can be carried out any month, but great success is achieved if done in November to
December.
Budded or grafted trees are planted in the field at a spacing of 8-10 m during the onset of the rainy season.
The trees are given very little care and attention until these finally bear fruit. These would certainly benefit from
pruning, fertilization, and irrigation. No serious pests and diseases infest duhat trees.
Harvesting and Postharvest Handling
The harvesting season is from March to May. The fruits do not ripen at the same time. Priming is usually
practiced. Ripe fruits turn dark purple to almost black and easily drop to the ground.
Harvested fruits are sorted. Those that are damaged or off-size are discarded. Being perishable, fruits are
immediately brought to the market and disposed of promptly.
Source:
PROSEA LEAFLET No. 72. 1992
ISBN 971-20-0236-5