A recent study has revealed that Jamun (genus Syzygium) originated much earlier than previously thought, with India playing a central role in its evolutionary history. Published in the Journal of Palaeogeography, the research suggests an East Gondwanan origin (~80 million years ago) and identifies India as a major centre of early diversification, reshaping existing theories about plant evolution and Asian biodiversity.
About Jamun (Syzygium)
- Scientifically known as Syzygium, commonly called Jamun
- Earlier evolutionary timeline estimated around 51 million years
- Fossil evidence from India (60–20 million years ago) was previously underexplored
- New fossil discoveries have helped reassess its origin and dispersal patterns
Key Findings of Study
- Establishes India as a key evolutionary hub for the genus Syzygium
- Suggests origin dating back to ~80 million years ago (East Gondwana)
- Indicates continuous presence of the genus in India since ~55 million years ago (Eocene)
- Challenges earlier belief that Jamun originated in Australia or Southeast Asia
- Proposes dispersal from India to Southeast Asia and Australia
- Highlights importance for:
- Climate change prediction
- Biodiversity conservation
- Ecological planning and biogeography research
Major Discovery
- Identified 11 well-preserved fossil leaves of Syzygium
- Newly classified species: Syzygium paleosalicifolium
- Confirms continuous evolutionary presence in India over millions of years
Research Institutions Involved
- Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (autonomous institute under
Department of Science and Technology) - Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research
- Tribhuvan University (Department of Geology & Birendra Multiple Campus)
Methodology of the Study
- Fossil samples collected from Kasauli Formation, Himachal Pradesh (~20 million years old)
- Based on Early Miocene sedimentary sequences
- Techniques used:
- Microscopic examination and morphological analysis
- Comparison with herbarium collections and global databases
- Statistical validation using 22 morphological characteristics
- Re-examined older fossils from Paleogene and Neogene periods (60–20 million years)
Significance of Study
- Rewrites biogeographic history of an important plant genus
- Strengthens India’s role in global plant evolution research
- Provides insights into ancient vegetation and climate patterns
- Supports better understanding of future climate scenarios
- Aids conservation strategies for biodiversity-rich regions