Flacourtia jangomas, Flacourtia cataphracta, Stigmarota jangomas
Indian Coffee Plum, Indian Cherry, Runealma PlumFamily: Salicaceae (Formerly:Flacourtiaceae)
Origin: Southeast Asia
Flacourtia jangomas (Indian Coffee Plum), native to Southeast Asia, is a hardy plant that can take full sun or semi-shade and requires regular to moderate water. It takes on a large shrub form, reaching 5-10 feet in height, or a small tree of 10-20 feet. It produces small, white to off-white flowers which give way to juicy fruits that are round, pink to dark red and approximately 1 inch in width. These fruits are edible and are often used in jams, as well as for their ethnomedical uses.
This deciduous plant is cold hardy, thriving in USDA plant hardiness zones 9-11. Its versatile nature makes it a perfect addition to many landscapes, and it is believed to bring a long lifespan of beauty and usefulness. It can also be grown in pots in colder regions.
Health wise, Flacourtia jangomas is packed with many vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes that are essential for a healthy diet. It has significant amounts of vitamin A and C and notable levels of minerals such as calcium, iron, and dietary fiber. In addition to the vitamins and minerals, Flacourtia jangomas has a high content of antioxidants, said to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and diabetes.
The fruits are easily harvested from the branches when ripe and are a delicious, juicy treat. The fruit can be eaten raw or cooked, and can also be used to make jams, jellies, and juices. All of the parts of the tree have medicinal uses, yet the bark has the highest potency.
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