VEGETATIVE MACROMORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF SIX  Syzygium spp. SPECIES

This study aimed to investigate the external morphological characteristics of the roots, stems, and leaves of six Syzygium species through direct visual observations in South Sumatra, Indonesia. The study was conducted in May 2026 across various residential areas and natural habitats using a qualitative descriptive approach. Fresh specimens of Syzygium jambos (L.) Alston, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry, Syzygium aqueum (Burm.f.) Alston, Syzygium polyanthum (Wight) Walp., and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry were documented and measured directly in their natural habitats. The results showed that all six species shared several general morphological characteristics, including a taproot system; woody, cylindrical, and erect stems; and green, petiolate, simple leaves with entire margins, pinnate venation, opposite phyllotaxis, and smooth surfaces. Despite these shared vegetative characteristics, the species can be distinguished by diagnostic morphological variations, particularly stem surface characteristics and branching patterns, as well as leaf length-to-width ratios, shape, apex, and base. Distinctive macromorphological variations in stems and leaves can serve as preliminary diagnostic characters for distinguishing closely related species, particularly when reproductive organs are unavailable.