Buy Seeds








Links to
Related Species:
Myrtaceae


Tropical Fruit Database
by scientific name
by common name

 

copyright
Trade Winds Fruit

 


Malay Apple
Syzygium malaccense
a.k.a. Mountain Apple  


see more pictures of the Malay Apple

A very beautiful fruit, usually deep red in color, pear shaped, with a waxy skin, about the size of an apple. Flesh is crunchy, often juicy, with a mild sweet flavor. Some varieties have white or pink skin.

Description: A medium to large sized tree growing to over 60 ft in some areas. Flowering usually occurs in early summer followed by fruit ripening 3 months later.

Hardiness: Malay apple's thrive in tropical conditions and are too tender to grow outdoors in California and most of Florida.

Growing Environment: In Hawaii, Malay apples (mountain apples) commonly grow in mid-elevation rain forest areas, often as large understory trees. They do not succeed as well at sea level. Trees usually require little care other than year-round water.

Propagation: Often by seeds which loose viability quickly. Superior varieties are propagated via budding, air-layering, and cuttings.

Uses: Almost always eaten fresh and chilled. Malay apple's make great thirst quenching snacks. The fruit can also be used to make wines.

Native Range: Native to Malaysia. Has been spread by humans through much of southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. Now common growing wild on the Hawaiian islands. The Malay apple (or mountain apple as it is known in Hawaii) was an important fruit of the Polynesians, and was later distributed to the America's on one of Captain Bligh's voyages.