Common name: Java olive, Indian almond. Tamil name: Kutraippitukku, Pinari
Java olive is native to the Indian sub-continent and is a large tree that can grow to over 30 meters in height. The bark of the tree is grey in color, the branching patter in notably horizontal. It is a dioecious tree with female and male flowers produced in different trees. The leafs are crowded on the branch tips. The leafs are palmately compound. Each leaf consisting of 7-9 leaflets. The leaf petiole measure around 26 cm. The leaflets are of different sizes ranging between 24 cm to 16 cm. The leaflets are elliptical with an acuminate tip. A silvery sheen is seen on the leaflets on its lower surface. The inflorescence is in the form of a panicle extending to nearly 15 cm in length. The flower consists of 5 sepals which are purple-brown in color. The flowers have a Sulfur -smell stink. The flowers are unisexual and 1.5 cm across. The fruit is in the form of a etaerio of 1-5 reddish large and boat shaped. Each contain about 10-15 black seeds. The seeds are edible. Java plum is an excellent avenue and garden tree suited for expansive landscapes.
