Syzygium malaccense aka Malay Apple

Syzygium malaccense, or Malay apple, is an evergreen fruit tree. It belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Its native range runs from Indo-China to Vanuatu. It grows in wet tropical forests and moist coastal sites. People grow it across the tropics for fruit and ornament. It has also spread beyond gardens in some places.

In gardens, it can reach 50 feet [15.24 metres] tall. Its crown can spread 30 feet [9.14 metres] wide. Broader accounts give heights of 16–66 feet [5–20 metres]. Wild trees in New Guinea can reach 98 feet [30 metres]. The crown spreads out but keeps a cone-like shape. The straight trunk may branch close to the ground. Some trees form buttresses at the base. The dark green leaves have a glossy surface and oval shape. They reach 0.75 feet [0.23 metres] long.

Bright red flowers grow in clusters on woody stems and branches. They bloom in seasonal flushes, rather than fixed months. Bees visit the flowers, which also draw hummingbirds. Fallen blooms add colour beneath the tree. The waxy fruit has a bell or broad pear shape. Red skin surrounds crisp white flesh with a mild, slightly tart taste. Fruits measure about 0.16–0.26 feet [0.05–0.08 metres] across. Each holds one large seed. Some fruits have pale yellow or purplish-yellow skin.

Grow Malay apple in full sun with steady soil moisture. It grows best in loam that drains well. It also accepts sand and heavy clay. It grows fast and needs a frost-free tropical climate. Missouri Botanical Garden lists it for USDA zone 12. Young seedlings need light shade. Sow seed soon after taking it from the fruit. Stored seed loses its ability to sprout fast. Growers also use air layering, cuttings and grafting. Leaf miners and borers may attack the tree. Otherwise, reported pest and disease problems are few.

People eat the fruit fresh or cook it in desserts. They also use it to make wine. Flowers and stamens can go into salads or syrup. Young red leaves and shoots are eaten with rice. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards. This does not establish safety for pets. The bark, leaves and roots have traditional medicinal uses. These reports do not establish safe or effective treatments. Bark and roots supply a reddish-brown dye for cloth. The heavy wood serves local building and craft needs, though it can warp.