Wax Jambu
Syzygium samarangense; syn: Eugenia javanica
aka Rose Apple, Java Apple, Jamaican Apple, Pumarosa;
Both Wax Jambu & Malay Apple are commonly referred to as Rose Apple. Both are native to Malay. They are two different fruits.
Growth
Wax Jambu is an evergreen , tropical tree that grows to 36' tall, native to the Greater Sunda Islands & Malay Peninsula, and now widely cultivated in the tropics everywhere.
It belongs to the same Myrtle (Myrtaceae) family as the invasive Java Plum or Jamoon (Jamun) Plum, though Wax Jambu is NOT invasive.
Wax Jambu needs adequate water or rainfall, high humidity, and rich, fertile soil. Best if kept from freezing, though more mature plants will tolerate some frost.
photo courtesy of wikipedia
Fruits
Flowers are a rich source of nectar for the honey bees.
Bell-shaped fruit varies in color from white, greens, red, purple or crimson, even purple or black. The very pale or very dark are the sweetest.
Outside resembles an apple, skin is like a pear, texture is somewhere between a pear and a watermelon. Flavor is slightly tart with a delicate rose flavor -- hence the name rose apple. Inside is a small pit, much like an avocado.
Flesh is crisp, sweet and juicy.
