Here’s a detailed description of the Red Wax Apple Plant:
Red Wax Apple Plant Description
Common Names: Red Wax Apple, Java Apple, Water Apple, Rose Apple
Botanical Name: Syzygium samarangense
Family: Myrtaceae
General Overview:
The Red Wax Apple is a fast-growing tropical fruit tree known for its attractive, bell-shaped fruits that resemble polished wax in texture and appearance. Native to Southeast Asia, it is now widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions for both ornamental and fruit-bearing purposes.
Plant Characteristics:
Type:
Evergreen tropical fruit tree
Grows as a small to medium-sized tree or large shrub
Height & Spread:
Typically grows 3–10 meters tall
Has a spreading canopy with dense foliage
Leaves:
Opposite, large, glossy, and lance-shaped
New leaves may appear reddish before turning green
Aromatic when crushed
Flowers:
Showy, fragrant, and creamy-white to pink
Grow in clusters, mostly during the dry season
Attract pollinators like bees
Fruits:
Bell-shaped (like a pear or upside-down bell), 4–6 cm long
Skin is smooth, shiny, and waxy, usually bright red, though color can vary from pink to deep maroon
Flesh is white, crisp, spongy, and very juicy with a mild sweet flavor
Usually seedless or may contain 1–2 small seeds
Refreshing and often eaten raw, chilled, or used in salads
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Thrives in hot, humid tropical climates
Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruiting
Soil: Prefers well-drained sandy loam to clay loam with good fertility
Watering: Likes regular watering but also tolerates short dry spells
Propagation:
Commonly propagated by air layering, grafting, or cuttings
Seed propagation is possible but not preferred due to variability in fruit quality
Uses:
Edible Fruit: Eaten fresh or used in juices, salads, and desserts
Ornamental: Grown for its attractive foliage, flowers, and fruit
Medicinal Uses: Traditional use of leaves, bark, and fruit for cooling and treating digestive issues
Let me know if you’d like care tips, pruning advice, or details on other wax apple varieties like green or black wax apples!