Food Plants International

435
Names
English: Java apple Scientific name: Syzygium samarangensis
(Blume) Merr. & Perry
Tok pisin: Synonyms: Eugenia javanica Lam. in part
Tok ples: Plant family: Myrtaceae
Description: A tree up to 15 m high which branches
near the base giving a spreading open tree. The leaves
are smaller (25 cm x 10 cm) and more pointed than
Malay apple and on short stalks. Flowers are about 3
cm wide and white. They are on leafy twigs. It
produces clusters of attractive glossy pink waxy
looking fruit. Fruit are 3 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. At
the end of the fruit there is a cavity almost enclosed by
four lobes. The fruit has a waxy skin and crispy flesh.
Distribution: Trees grow in coastal areas in the tropics.
They need a deep fertile soil. It needs adequate rainfall
and some humidity. It suits hardiness zones 11-12.
Cultivation: Plants are mainly raised from seeds. Fresh seeds must be used. Often few seeds
are produced. They can be propagated by air layering or budding. Girdling of the shoots and
using rooting hormones enables cuttings to be used for propagation. A spacing of 8-10 m apart
is suitable.
Production: It is fast growing. Trees start fruiting when quite small. Fruit production is
seasonal. Normally large numbers of fruit are produced.
Use: The fruit are eaten fresh.
Food Value: Per 100 g edible portion
Edible Moisture Energy Protein Calcium Iron proVit A proVit C
part % KJ g mg mg µg mg
Fruit 90.3 94 0.7 0.8 0 8
Insects:
Diseases:
Pests:
Importance: This is not a common fruit tree in Papua New Guinea. Where it occurs fruit
quality is poor.
Zinc
mg