Syzygium malaccense, commonly known as Malay apple, is a tropical tree species of the myrtle family. The Malay apple is very similar to the water apple.
- Origin: Malaysia and Indonesia
- Botanical family: Myrtaceae
- Maturity period: Seedlings: 5-6 years; Vegetative propagation: 3-4 years
- Fruiting season: April to June in India; May to July in other regions
- Growing in containers: Possible
- Sunlight requirement: Full sun to light shade
- Growth habit type: Tree
- Average Height: 10-20 meters
- Average width (canopy span): 6-8 meters
- Growth rate: Medium
- Ease of growing: Easy
- Edibility rating: 7/10
- Health Benefits: 6/10
Growing Malay Apple Tree
The Malay apple tree is quite fast-growing and reaches a height of about 15 metres. It has a symmetrical, cup-shaped crown. Its evergreen leaves are soft, 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.
The plant needs full sunlight to grow and should be planted with a distance of at least 5 metres between trees.
If needed. pruning may be done to control the size and shape of the tree. Also with regular pruning and care, it can also be grown in containers.
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. Malay apple colour can be of 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.
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.