Duhat grows as a smooth tree that reaches about 8 to 15 meters in height. It develops white branchlets that add contrast to its reddish young shoots. Gardeners and farmers often admire this tree for its strong trunk and wide canopy. The tree thrives in tropical climates where it receives plenty of sunlight and rainfall. People usually plant it in backyards, farms, and community spaces because it provides both shade and fruit. Its distinct look makes it an attractive part of the local landscape.
Communities value the Duhat tree for its multiple uses and benefits. People eat its fruits fresh, turn them into wine, or make them into jams and vinegar. Local healers prepare remedies from different parts of the tree, such as the bark and seeds, which they believe have medicinal properties. Children enjoy climbing its branches while elders often rest under its shade. The tree strengthens soil stability and helps prevent erosion in sloping areas. Overall, the Duhat tree continues to play an important role in both cultural traditions and environmental sustainability.
Different Names of Duhat
A native fruit tree of the Philippines, Duhat is valued for its smooth trunk, reddish young shoots, and dark purple fruits that provide both nourishment and traditional healing benefits.
- Local Name: Duhat
- English Name: Java Plum
- Scientific Name: Syzygium Cumini
- Category: Native
Leaf Pattern and Benefits
Duhat leaves are opposite, shiny and leathery, oblong-ovate to elliptic or obovate-elliptic, 6 to 12 centimeters long, the tip being broad and shortly pointed. The leaves of the Duhat tree appear in opposite pairs and shine with a leathery texture. They give off a lush green color that highlights the tree’s healthy appearance. Farmers use the leaves not only for shade but also for traditional remedies in rural areas. The tree blossoms with small, fragrant flowers that attract bees and other pollinators. These flowers eventually turn into the dark purple fruits known as duhat or Java plum. The fruits serve as a seasonal delight for both humans and animals.
Duhat, or Java plum, is a native fruit tree valued for both its nutritional and medicinal benefits. Traditionally, people use its seeds, bark, and fruits to help manage diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels, while its cooling properties aid digestion and ease issues like gas, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. It is also believed to relieve respiratory conditions such as asthma and bronchitis, thanks to its natural compounds that calm the airways. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, Duhat not only strengthens immunity but also continues to serve as a cultural and natural remedy in many Filipino households.
