Syzygium cumini Myrtaceae – Dan – දං
Wild fruits grown in villages, if you were born in 60’s you will remember this fruit very well. Dan trees were everywhere, there were දං කැලේ (Dan forest) where we used go and collect Dan, it was juicy fruit. We pluck them from bushes and eat them.
It is very difficult to find a Dan tree now as with urbanization, trees has been wiped out, more over our birds and butterflies have lost their food source. As many people prefer to have a wall around their house and then grow imported plants, which are no use at all. It is high time Sri Lankans open their eyes. Dan not only help our fauna and flora but also has good vitamins rich with irons.
Please note that දං and මාදං are two different varieties.
දං grows and bear fruits even in Colombo
මාදං grows in dry zone and bear fruits in Dry zone.
There are so many varieties of Dan, I have few of them, if you want Dan plants please call 0773210212.
You can have hedge with Dan trees.
