Morphological characterization, antioxidant capacity and diversity of Syzygium cumini trees from Sri Lanka

Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Madan) is widely distributed in South Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, where it was naturally found. There were only few studies reported on S. cumini for its values and other benefits in Sri Lanka. This study focuses on morphological characterization and the diversity of S. cumini trees in seven locations of Sri Lanka. Data were collected on different morphological traits. Leaf, flower and fruit morphology showed significant differences among locations. Further, trees from Batticaloa region showed different morphology, which would potentially open a different avenue for further study to trace different cultivars across the country. Results of the diversity index and multivariate analyses indicated high diversity in morphology and antioxidant capacity of trees. The variables such as leaf area, inter-nodal length, petiole length, anther length, filament length, fruit size and pericarp thickness could be suitable candidates to investigate the morphological variation of S. cumini any further. Antioxidant capacity studies also showed significant differences among locations and trees. Fruit hue angle was positively correlated to antioxidant capacities. Finding of this study concluded that the wide distribution of S. cumini trees throughout Sri Lanka in different geographical locations showed high diversity in leaf, flower and fruit morphology together with antioxidant capacity.