Malay-apple (Syzygium malaccense, J. Arnold Arbor. 19: 215 (1938))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry

Bibliography: J. Arnold Arbor. 19: 215 (1938)

Year: 1938

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Syzygium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Indo-China to Vanuatu

Description

The Malay-apple, scientifically known as Syzygium malaccense, is a notable and distinctive member of the Myrtaceae family. First documented in the bibliographical reference J. Arnold Arbor. 19: 215 in 1938, this species was authored by the renowned botanists (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry.

Native to a wide geographical range that spans from Indo-China to Vanuatu, the Malay-apple is celebrated for its striking appearance and cultural significance. The tree typically showcases glossy, evergreen leaves and can grow to impressive heights, contributing to its majestic presence in the regions it inhabits.

The fruit of the Malay-apple is equally remarkable. It is often characterized by its vibrant red or pink skin, though variations to its color exist. The shape of the fruit bears a resemblance to a pear or bell, and it is known for its crisp and subtly sweet flesh, which can be enjoyed both fresh and in culinary dishes. Aside from its delightful taste, the Malay-apple holds value in traditional medicine practices within its native range.

Growing best in tropical climates, Syzygium malaccense thrives in well-drained soil and requires consistent moisture to develop adequately. The tree also demonstrates a remarkable resilience and can tolerate a variety of environmental conditions, making it a versatile and valuable species for diverse ecological landscapes.

The Malay-apple serves not only as a source of nutrition but also plays a role in cultural traditions across its native regions. From festive occasions to daily consumption, this fruit is ingrained in the social and cultural fabric of communities.

Overall, the Malay-apple stands as an emblem of biodiversity in the Myrtaceae family, known for its appealing fruit, ecological utility, and cultural importance across Indo-China to Vanuatu.

Common Names

Deu: malakka-apfel, malayapfel
Eng: malay-apple, malaysian apple, otaheite-apple, mountain-apple, pink satin-ash, pomerac, rose-apple
Por: jambo, jambo-vermelho
Fra: jamboissier rouge, poirier de malaque, pomme malac
Msa: jambu bol
Ind: jambu bol
Swe: malajäpple
Spa: manzana de agua, pomarrosa de malaca
En: Malay-apple, Malaysian apple, Otaheite-apple, Mountain-apple, Pink satin-ash, Pomerac, Rose-apple, Malay apple
Fr: Jamboissier rouge, Poirier de Malaque, Pomme malac
De: Malakka-Apfel, Malayapfel
Id: Jambu bol
Ms: Jambu bol
Pt: Jambo, Jambo-vermelho
Es: Manzana de agua, Pomarrosa de Malaca
Sv: Malajäpple

Synonyms

• Jambosa laevis (Montrouz.)
• Eugenia domestica (Baill.)
• Myrtus lamarckii (F.Dietr.)
• Eugenia purpurascens (Baill.)
• Myrtus macrophylla ((Lam.) Spreng.)
• Jambosa malaccensis ((L.) DC.)
• Myrtus malaccensis ((L.) Spreng.)
• Eugenia pseudomalaccensis (Linden)
• Caryophyllus malaccensis ((L.) Stokes)
• Eugenia purpurea (Roxb.)
• Eugenia malaccensis (L.)
• Jambosa purpurea ((Roxb.) Wight & Arn.)
• Jambosa macrophylla ((Lam.) DC.)
• Syzygium laeve ((Montrouz.) Govaerts)
• Jambosa domestica (DC.)
• Jambosa purpurascens (DC.)

Distribution

• Bismarck Archipelago (native)
• Cambodia (native)
• Laos (native)
• Malaya (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• New Guinea (native)
• Queensland (native)
• Solomon Is. (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Vanuatu (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Belize (introduced)
• Borneo (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Central African Repu (introduced)
• China South-Central (introduced)
• Comoros (introduced)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Cuba (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Hawaii (introduced)
• Honduras (introduced)
• Jamaica (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Leeward Is. (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• Marquesas (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Nicaragua (introduced)
• Niue (introduced)
• Panamá (introduced)
• Philippines (introduced)
• Puerto Rico (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Santa Cruz Is. (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Taiwan (introduced)
• Tonga (introduced)
• Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
• Tuamotu (introduced)
• Tubuai Is. (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Venezuelan Antilles (introduced)
• Windward Is. (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 17, 2019 by Marie ange K (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 28, 2020 by Pinheiro Marcos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Dec 14, 2021 by Igor Gontijo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 25, 2004 by Daniel Barthelemy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by Lauton Everton (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 22, 2021 by damian sarjeant (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 20, 2021 by Nassir Adesola (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2022 by Lima Cristie (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 12, 2022 by Marc Bouvy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 25, 2021 by Soares Barboza tuany (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Oct 28, 2022 by Socías Carrillo Antonio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 4, 2022 by Maria Bravo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by Lauton Everton (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2019 by Aquino Guilherme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 6, 2019 by ÁC Andrea (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2016 by Hugo SANTACREU (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2020 by Sébastien TRASBOT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 30, 2021 by Leilaine Kathleen (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 5, 2022 by João Wendel (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Other

Taken Nov 30, 2018 by José Martí Rosales Rodríguez (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 24, 2011 by Krol AS (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3184509)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:601907-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Syzygium malaccense (L.) Merr. & L.M.Perry)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Tree

Growth