Daun Salam Fruit Plant (Syzygium polyanthum) – A Culinary and Medicinal Jewel of Southeast Asia
The Daun Salam Fruit Plant, scientifically known as Syzygium polyanthum, is a remarkable evergreen tree deeply woven into the culinary and cultural heritage of Southeast Asia. Brilliantly structured with a dense, oval-to-cylindrical crown, this medium to large tree can reach up to 30 meters in height and displays an elegant form with grey flaky bark, greyish-brown twigs, and aromatic foliage. Belonging to the Myrtaceae family, it is native to a vast geographical range including India, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Brunei, and Indonesia.
A Tree That Brings Aroma, Health, and Beauty
The leaves of Daun Salam hold a special place in Indonesian cuisine, where they are widely used as a natural flavoring agent in soups, curries, meat dishes, rice preparations, and festive meals. Their fragrance is subtle yet rich, infusing food with an unmistakable warmth and herbal depth. While the leaves are most known for culinary use, the tree also bears edible fruits, each containing a slightly astringent pulp that blends sweetness with mild tannin notes.
In home kitchens across Southeast Asia, Daun Salam is valued not just for taste but also for wellness. Traditional communities use the leaves for herbal infusions, digestive support, and metabolic balance — making it a household ingredient that represents both nourishment and natural healing.
A Fragrant and Ornamental Garden Asset
Beyond its utility in cuisine, Daun Salam stands out as a striking ornamental tree for landscapes. Its evergreen foliage, dense canopy, and clusters of small fragrant flowers make it an impressive sight throughout the year. The tree is also admired for:
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Fragrance during the day from both flowers and foliage
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Attractive ornamental fruits that appear seasonally
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Fast growth habit, allowing quick canopy development for shade
Because of these qualities, the tree is frequently chosen for roadsides, urban landscaping, and garden avenues.
Cultivation – Simple, Reliable, and Rewarding
With moderate care needs, growing Daun Salam is highly suitable for home gardeners and collectors.
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Blooming and fruiting begins: around 3–5 years after planting
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Growth rate: Fast-growing evergreen
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Watering: Regular but not water-logged
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Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil
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Maintenance: Moderate — seasonal pruning supports shape and airflow
Once established, the plant becomes resilient and continues to provide aromatic leaves and fruits year after year.
Why Daun Salam Belongs in Your Garden
Few fruit trees combine so many benefits in a single species — culinary value, medicinal use, landscape beauty, and fragrant foliage. Adding Daun Salam to your garden brings the essence of Southeast Asian cooking right to your doorstep, while also enhancing the aesthetic richness of your surroundings.
At Veliyath Gardens, we believe in curating plants that elevate both lifestyle and health. The Daun Salam Fruit Plant is a wonderful representation of that vision — a tree that complements the kitchen, heals the body, and adorns the garden all at once.
Daun Salam Fruit Plant (Syzygium polyanthum) is now available at Veliyath Gardens — an exceptional choice for garden lovers, culinary enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a fragrant and multipurpose tree.
