Jambu /Red Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense) x10 Seeds
Jambu /Red Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense) x10 Seeds
Jambu /Red Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense) Fresh Seeds
Syzygium samarangense, commonly known as the wax apple, Java apple, or rose apple, is a tropical fruit tree in the Myrtaceae family. Here is a detailed description of Syzygium samarangense:
Botanical Description
Tree: The wax apple tree is medium-sized, typically growing up to 12 meters (40 feet) in height. It has a dense, evergreen canopy with a smooth, grayish-brown trunk and spreading branches.
Leaves: The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to elliptic, and have a glossy, dark green upper surface with a lighter underside. They are aromatic when crushed and measure 10-25 cm in length and 5-10 cm in width.
Flowers: The flowers are white to pale yellow, fragrant, and occur in clusters. Each flower has numerous stamens and a prominent style, giving it a fluffy appearance. They are typically 2.5-3 cm in diameter.
Fruit Description
Shape and Size: The wax apple fruit is bell-shaped or pear-shaped, typically measuring 5-8 cm in length and 4-6 cm in diameter.
Skin: The skin is smooth, thin, and waxy, ranging in color from green to pink, red, or even dark purple when ripe. The surface is often glossy, giving the fruit its common name "wax apple."
Flesh: The flesh is crisp, juicy, and airy, with a mildly sweet and slightly astringent flavor. It is usually white or pale pink and contains a small, central cavity that may hold one or two small seeds.
Seed: The seeds are small, round, and not always present in every fruit, as some fruits are seedless.
Habitat and Cultivation
Climate: Syzygium samarangense thrives in tropical climates with high humidity and regular rainfall. It grows best in temperatures between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) and is sensitive to frost.
Soil: The tree prefers well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter but can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy and clay soils.
Propagation: Wax apple is commonly propagated by seeds, though vegetative methods such as grafting, air layering, and cuttings are also used to preserve specific cultivars.
Uses and Benefits
Culinary: The wax apple is primarily eaten fresh but can also be used in salads, preserves, and beverages. It is often enjoyed for its refreshing and hydrating qualities.
Nutritional Value: The fruit is low in calories and rich in water content. It provides vitamin C, fiber, and small amounts of calcium, potassium, and other nutrients.
Medicinal Uses: Traditional medicine uses various parts of the tree for their purported health benefits. The leaves, bark, and roots have been used to treat ailments such as diarrhea, fever, and skin infections.
Economic and Cultural Importance
Economic: Wax apple is cultivated in tropical regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, and parts of Central and South America. It is grown both for local consumption and for sale in markets.
Cultural: In many tropical countries, the wax apple is a popular fruit and is often featured in local dishes, festivals, and cultural practices. Its refreshing taste and hydrating properties make it a favorite in hot climates.
Syzygium samarangense is valued for its attractive appearance, refreshing fruit, and versatility in culinary and medicinal uses. It is a beloved fruit tree in many tropical regions, contributing to both the diet and cultural heritage of the communities that cultivate it.