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Other Names: Mountain Apple, Makopa, Jambu Bol, Makopang Kalabaw, Otaheite Apple, Pommerac, Jambo
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Related To:
[Myrtaceae] Water Apple, Wax Jambu, Rose Apple
Main Uses:
Fruit
Growth Rate:
Moderate to Fast
Mature Height/Spread:
This tree is larger than it's close relatives, capable of reaching 60' or larger.
Flowering/Pollination:
Flowers red; self-fertile. Red flower filaments drop to the ground after flowering, coating the ground beneath the tree. Fruit ripen about 3 months after flowering.
Tolerance:
Moderate drought tolerance, mild salt tolerance.
Soil/Nutrition:
Widely adaptable, but preferring a fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil.
Light:
Full sun, with partial shade in equatorial regions.
Wind:
Strong, sturdy tree.
Temperature:
Mature trees will tolerate brief frosts to 30 F. Younger trees will need protection from frost.
Dangers:
None.
Diseases Prone:
Bearing Age:
3-4 years from seed, sooner from graft. Bears continuously from July to March.
Fruit:
Slightly pear shaped, oblong and rounded. Skin can range anywhere from white, pink, deep red (most common) to purple. Flesh is like compressed cotton, usually with a mild sweet/tart flavor.
History/Origin:
Evidence of this species being cultivated in ancient times has been found in the Malay Archipelago, to where it is thought to be indigenous. It has been established in the Pacific islands for hundreds, if not thousands of years, brought deliberately across vast spans of ocean by humans to supply food for new settlements. The species first arrived in Jamaica in 1793 with the ships of captain Bligh, and has since established itself casually throughout the Caribbean.
Malay Apple has been a species of human interest for ages, as it is capable of providing an immense amount of fruit for 6 months out of a year. Early Polynesian settlers of the Pacific Islands brought with them several fast-growing food species: Malay Apple, Coconut, Breadfruit, Taro and Bananas. These key food species are considered an indicator of past human habitation throughout the Pacific islands.
Species Observations:
This species is often confused with other Asian members of this genus. The Water Apple (syzygium aquem), and the Wax Jambu (syzygium samarengense). All tend to be generally common in the vicinity of the others. The most common confusion is between the Malay Apple and the Wax Jambu. The flesh of Wax Jambu (syzygium samarengense) is less dense, and is more crunchy than the Malay apple. The Wax Jambu fruit itself is also a lighter red, pink, white or green, and has a distinctly bell shape. Malay apple only grows in red and purple colors, and is rounder in all aspects.
The Water Apple (syzygium aqueum) is very similar in shape to the Wax Jambu (syzygium samarengense), but the fruit itself is smaller. Water apple (s. aqueum) is basically a small Wax Jambu, with a sweet/tart flavor. It is easily distinguishable from Malay Apple, but not from Wax Jambu.
The malay apple has a subtle flavor, and will inevitably be considered bland by those accustomed to sweet fruits. Most of the time, it does not have as much flavor, even, as a starfruit (averrhoa carambola). Nonetheless, this fruit is enjoyed throughout tropical regions, in it's own right, having many different uses.
Propogation:
Seed is variable, usually resulting in sour fruit. Sweet fruits are taken from cuttings and by grafting, which is relatively easy with this species.
Container Culture:
Possible, but not ideal.
Medicinal Uses:
Many members of the myrtaceae family possess volatile oils which have lent the species to medicinal applications. The medicinal oil eugenol is present throughout the living tissue most of the syzygium species. Pieces of young/inner bark or crushed leaves from Malay Apple have been valued as a remedy for a sore throat, but the concoction is rather harsh. Other species commonly found nearby Malay Apple, such as the bark / twigs of Noni (morinda citrifolia) have a better reputation for this purpose.
Nutritional Information:
Preparation / Food:
Usually eaten fresh, but also used in salads. In Thailand it is a popular addition to spicy shrimp salad.
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"Tree is in fine shape and budding! Packing was exceptional. Thank you so much!"
- Satisfied Customer 1
"WOW, Plant is 10X better than expected. Great condition. Thank you very much."
- Satisfied Customer 2
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