A new study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, was highlighted in PIB summaries on April 21, 2026 and establishes India as the evolutionary cradle of Jamun (the genus Syzygium). The study, conducted by BSIP scientists in collaboration with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Tribhuvan University, Nepal, traces the genus to an East Gondwanan origin around 80 million years ago. The team analysed 11 well-preserved fossil leaves from Early Miocene deposits (about 20 million years ago) of the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh and named a new fossil species, Syzygium paleosalicifolium, on the basis of 22 morphological characters. A reinvestigation of older Indian fossil records further indicates that Syzygium has been continuously present in the Indian region since the Early Eocene, around 55 million years ago. The findings overturn the long-held view that Jamun originated in Australia or Southeast Asia. Instead, the study proposes that the genus first evolved in the Indian region within East Gondwana and dispersed northwards along the path "India to Southeast Asia to Australia" as the Indian plate drifted after breaking away from Gondwana. The research has implications for biogeography, plant evolution, conservation of native fruit germplasm and India's claim to plant-genetic-resource heritage under the Nagoya Protocol.
Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences Study Released on April 21, 2026 Establishes India as the Evolutionary Cradle of Jamun (Syzygium); New Fossil Species Syzygium paleosalicifolium Identified from Kasauli Formation
A BSIP study highlighted in PIB summaries on April 21, 2026 establishes India as the evolutionary cradle of Jamun (Syzygium). Eleven fossil leaves from the Kasauli Formation, Himachal Pradesh (~20 MYA) were analysed and a new species Syzygium paleosalicifolium identified, tracing the genus to East Gondwana ~80 MYA, with continuous presence in India since the Early Eocene ~55 MYA.
Key facts
- A study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, was highlighted in PIB summaries on April 21, 2026 and establishes India as the evolutionary cradle of Jamun (the genus Syzygium).
- BSIP scientists worked with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
- The team analysed 11 well-preserved fossil leaves from the Early Miocene (about 20 MYA) deposits of the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh.
- A new fossil species, Syzygium paleosalicifolium, was named on the basis of 22 morphological characters.
- The study traces the genus to an East Gondwanan origin around 80 million years ago and confirms continuous presence of Syzygium in the Indian region since the Early Eocene (~55 MYA).
- The findings overturn the long-held view that Jamun originated in Australia or Southeast Asia; the proposed dispersal pathway is 'India to Southeast Asia to Australia'.
- The research has implications for biogeography, native fruit-germplasm conservation and India's plant-genetic-resource heritage under the Nagoya Protocol.
6-axis classification
Appears in these topics
Practice MCQ from this story
SolveTap an option below. Correct or incorrect feedback appears instantly.
With reference to the BSIP study on Jamun evolution highlighted on April 21, 2026, consider the following statements: 1. The new fossil species Syzygium paleosalicifolium was identified from the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh. 2. The Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. 3. The study traces the genus Syzygium to an East Gondwanan origin around 80 million years ago. Which of the statements given above are correct?
All three statements are correct. The new fossil species Syzygium paleosalicifolium was identified from the Early Miocene deposits of the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh. BSIP is an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology. The study explicitly traces Syzygium to an East Gondwanan origin around 80 million years ago.
Frequently asked questions
Which institute conducted the Jamun evolution study highlighted on April 21, 2026?
The study was conducted by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), an autonomous institute under the Department of Science and Technology, in collaboration with the Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) and Tribhuvan University, Nepal. It was highlighted in PIB summaries on April 21, 2026.
What new fossil species was named in the BSIP Jamun study and from which formation?
The team named a new fossil species — Syzygium paleosalicifolium — on the basis of 22 morphological characters, identified from 11 well-preserved fossil leaves from the Early Miocene deposits (about 20 million years ago) of the Kasauli Formation in Himachal Pradesh.
What does the BSIP study say about the geographical origin of Jamun?
The study traces the genus Syzygium to an East Gondwanan origin around 80 million years ago and shows continuous presence in the Indian region since the Early Eocene (~55 million years ago). It overturns the long-held view that Jamun originated in Australia or Southeast Asia and proposes a dispersal pathway of 'India to Southeast Asia to Australia'.
Why is this finding significant beyond pure palaeobotany?
The study has implications for biogeography, plant evolution, conservation of native fruit germplasm and India's plant-genetic-resource heritage under international frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing — strengthening India's claim that Jamun is part of its native plant-genetic resource.
Was this useful?
Share corrections or missing exam angles with the editorial team.
Send feedback