Useful information

Syzygium yambose - Malabar plum, or rose apple

This plant is rarely found in the collections of tropical plant lovers. But many do not even suspect how versatile this plant has found in countries of mass cultivation. Perhaps we can help someone understand that he has a true gem of the tropics.

Syzygium yambosis (Syzygiumjambos), former name - Evgeniya Yamboz (Eugeniajambos), Malabar Plum, Rose Apple (this name is often associated with the fruits of other plants of the Sisigium genus, it is grown primarily for its fruits.

Syzygium yambosis, flowering / Photo: Natalia Semenova

Southeast Asia is considered the birthplace of the Malabar plum. For a long time, syzygium iambosis has been successfully naturalized in India, and has spread widely in the wild thickets of South America. Now the Malabar plum is planted in almost all regions with a suitable climate. In some areas, it is considered an invasive species, it poses a threat to natural ecosystems in Australia, Hawaii, and the Galapogos Islands.

Syzygium yambosis grows as a small evergreen tree up to 12 m in height, with a trunk diameter of more than 60 cm. The crown width often exceeds the height of the tree. The plant is very decorative, has long glossy pointed leaves up to 25 cm in length and up to 6 cm in width. Young growth is reddish. The leaves are located opposite, contain glands with essential oils. Very impressive are large, up to 10 cm, white flowers, consisting of 4 small sepals and many (about 300) long stamens directed in different directions. Flowers are usually collected in apical inflorescences in several pieces, attract bees, are good honey plants. Flowering can occur 2-3 times a year, but usually in spring or at the end of the dry period. After 3 months, the fruits ripen. The yellowish oval berry about 4-5 cm consists of a fleshy pericarp, usually surrounding one seed. Seeds are polyembryonic, they can give up to 8 seedlings.

The fruits are crunchy, resemble bell peppers in texture, with a delicate pink aroma, the taste is something between an apple and a watermelon. They are used fresh and for making preserves and jams, as a delicacy. The fruit is very tender and spoils quickly after picking. The fruit extract is used to make Rose Water. In industrial culture, it is propagated by sowing fresh seeds, the tree blooms for 3-4 years.

Syzygium yambose, or Rose apple

Due to its high decorativeness, syzygium yambose is widely used for outdoor gardening in countries with tropical and subtropical climates, the critical temperature is -50C. Roots are actively spreading, protection of roads, buildings and communications is required. Prefers moist, loamy, slightly acidic soils, although it can grow on a wide range of soils, in direct sun or light shade.

Wood is used to make furniture and musical instruments; brown pigment is extracted from the bark for dyeing fabrics. The essential oil from the leaves is used in the perfume industry.

In India, the fruit is used to stimulate the brain and liver, as a diuretic. Flowers with sugar are used as an antipyretic agent. The seeds are used for dysentery, diarrhea and catarrh. In South America, seeds are used for diabetes mellitus and as an anesthetic. A decoction of the leaves helps with eye diseases, rheumatism, serves as a diuretic and expectorant, the juice of the leaves is used as an antipyretic. The bark contains many tannins, is used as an emetic and laxative, a decoction of the bark is used to treat asthma. In Cuba, roots are used to treat epilepsy. However, according to scientific research, seeds and roots are toxic (containing hydrocyanic acid and tannins) and should be used with caution. Studies have confirmed the presence of antimicrobial properties of the extract from the leaves.

Growing at home

Syzygium iambosis. Photo: Natalia Semenova

The Malabar plum is grown as a container and pot plant and can produce, albeit a small, berry harvest. It is useful, like any myrtle plant, for the home microclimate. Conditions of detention are similar to paniculata syzygium (eugenia myrtle) and common myrtle.

Young plants are best protected from direct sun. In the purchased universal peat soil (3 parts), it is advisable to add sod land (1 part) and sand (1 part). Watering is uniform, do not allow the substrate to dry out and water stagnation in the pan. From spring to autumn, feed with universal fertilizers. With a lack of light in winter, it is necessary to provide a cool content at + 8 + 100C, optimally on a glazed frost-free balcony. Propagated at home by cuttings or air layers, the seeds quickly lose their germination.

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