Malay Apple, Mountain Apple, Rose Apple

Syzygium malaccense, commonly known as Malay apple, is a tropical tree species of the myrtle family. The plant is native to the Malay Peninsula, but is also found in other parts of the world with tropical climates, including India. The Malay apple is very similar to the water apple.

Common names: Malay Apple, Mountain Apple, Rose Apple

Growing Malay Apple Tree

The Malay apple tree is quite fast-growing and reaches a height of about 15 metres. It has an upright boot with a circumference of up to 4.5 m (15 ft) and usually a symmetrical, cup-shaped crown. Its evergreen leaves are soft-leaved, dark green and rather glossy on top, paler on the underside; 15-40 cm long and 9-20 cm wide.

The tree thrives in a tropical climate with high humidity and moderate rainfall. It prefers a well-drained soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5.

The plant needs full sunlight to grow and should be planted with a distance of at least 5 metres between trees. Pruning is necessary to control the size and shape of the tree and it can also be grown in containers with regular pruning and care.

Syzygium malaccense is drought-tolerant, but it requires regular watering during the growing season. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer like compost for best results.

Malay Apple fruit description

The fruit of Syzygium malaccense is a small to medium-sized fruit with a bell-shaped or round appearance. The fruit can range in color from green to red or purple, and it has a juicy, white flesh with a sweet and slightly acidic flavor. The fruit is usually eaten fresh.

The fruit is also high in vitamin C and antioxidants.

Other uses

The bark of the Malay apple tree is used as a natural dye for textiles to give a reddish-brown color.

It has an ornamental foliage and hence used for landscaping purposes.