Camachile - Korkalikka

Scientific Synonym - Pithecellobium dulce

Also known as - Guamachil, Manila Tamarind, Kodukkai Puli/Kodi-kai puli, Sweet Tamarind, Thai-Sweet Tamarind, Madras Thorn, Monkey Pod, Jungle Jilebi, Bilayati Imli, Seema Chintakayalu (Foreign Tamarind), Kona Puliyankai (Twisted Tamarind)

Native to - Mexico, America, Central Asia, India, Caribbean, Florida, Guam, Philippines. It was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish times and has spread throughout the Pacific (Guam, Micronesia, Hawaii, etc.). It was also introduced to Thailand and onto India where it is known as Manila Tamarind.

Tastes like - Sweet when they ripe

Interesting facts-

• Kodukka puli came from the word Kodi-Kai puli which means Vined Tamarind
• peel the black seeds to reveal a brown coating (not the white ‘main’ seed inside) and then string them into bracelets
• The pod/pulp is widely used in the tanning industry. Camachile bark used almost exclusively by Filipino tanners
• Used as good timber
• Mucilaginous gum
• Used for preparing yellow dye
  

Sought by Birds - Parrots and Squirrels

Availability - July and August

Health Benefits -

• Used to treat Venereal diseases(sexually Transmitted Infection)
• Leaves - Remedy for indigestion
• Bark - curative for bowel movement/constipation
• Camachile is also prescribed for diabetics

Jamun Fruit

Scientific Synonym - Syzygium cumini

Also known as - Jamun, Nerale Hannu, Njaval, Jamblang, Jambolan, Black Plum, Damson Plum, Duhat Plum, Jambolan Plum, Java Plum, Portuguese Plum, Malabar plum

Native to - Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Indonesia
Also grown in Philippines, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. The tree was also introduced to Florida, USA in 1911 by the USDA, and is also now commonly planted in Suriname. In Brazil, where it was introduced from India during Portuguese colonization, it has dispersed spontaneously in the wild in some places

Rich Source of - vitamin A, vitamin C, Iron, Minerals

Tastes like - sweet, mildly sour and astringent flavor

Interesting facts -
• The wood is strong and is water resistant. Because of this it is used in railway sleepers and to install motors in wells
• Used to make cheap furniture and village dwellings
• Tends to color the tongue purple (Some people shun it for the strain it leaves)
• Ripe jamun fruit is fermented to fabricate excellent quality wine
• Juice of the raw fruit is used to fabricate vinegar
• Jamun is processed to form a distinct flavor of jams, jellies, preserve and squash
• The flesh of the rejects is crushed and sold as jamun syrup

Sought by Birds - thrushes, tanagers and the Great Kiskadee

Availability - May and June

Health Benefits -

• Touted as a fruit that can control diabetes
• Purification of blood
• Acts as a coolant
• Induces digestive power. The seeds are used in ayurvedic, unani medicines and Chinese medicine for digestive ailments
• Used to treat diarrhea and ringworm
• Leaves possess anti-bacterial properties and are used for making medicines for the strengthening of the teeth and gums
• It is good for sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, thirst, dysentery, blood impurities and ulcers
• The paste of jamun leaves is very good to dry the pus-filled wounds.
• The bark of the tree has high astringent properties and is therefore used for gargles and as a mouthwash.
• To get relief from vomiting and its burning sensation, one can take extracts of soft mango and jamun leaves mixed in honey two times a day
• The bark of jamun has astringent, carminative, diuretic, digestive and constipating properties