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Description
Syzygium Samarangense, commonly known as the wax apple or water apple, is a tropical fruit tree that is native to Southeast Asia. It belongs to the Myrtaceae family, which includes other fruit trees such as guava, jaboticaba, and eucalyptus. The tree can grow up to 12 meters tall with a dense canopy of glossy green leaves. The fruit is round and comes in a variety of colors, including red, pink, yellow, and green.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Genus | Syzygium |
Appearance
The Syzygium Samarangense tree has a dense canopy of glossy green leaves that can grow up to 12 meters tall. The fruit is round and can vary in color from red, pink, yellow, to green. The skin is smooth and waxy, hence the name “wax apple.” The flesh of the fruit is white and juicy, with a mild sweet flavor. The seeds are small and brown, and are usually not consumed.
Care Guide
To care for a Syzygium Samarangense tree, it is important to provide it with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and hardiness zones.Water: The tree requires regular watering, especially during the hot and dry months. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The tree benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months during the growing season.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.Sunlight: The tree requires full sun exposure to produce fruit. It can tolerate partial shade but may not produce as much fruit.Hardiness Zones: The tree is best suited for tropical and subtropical climates, and can be grown in USDA hardiness zones 10-12.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Syzygium Samarangense tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:Pests: Fruit flies, scale insects, and mealybugs.Diseases: Anthracnose, powdery mildew, and leaf spot.To prevent and manage these issues, it is important to practice good sanitation, such as removing fallen leaves and fruit, and using appropriate pesticides and fungicides as needed.
Habitat
The Syzygium Samarangense tree is native to Southeast Asia, including countries such as Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. It can also be found in other tropical regions such as India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Africa. The tree prefers warm and humid climates with well-draining soils.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for a Syzygium Samarangense tree to produce fruit?
A: It can take 2-3 years for the tree to mature and produce fruit.Q: Can the tree tolerate frost?
A: No, the tree is not frost-tolerant and should be protected from freezing temperatures.Q: How should I prune my Syzygium Samarangense tree?
A: Prune the tree in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and to shape the canopy.Q: How should I propagate my Syzygium Samarangense tree?
A: The tree can be propagated through seed, cuttings, or air layering.
Related Plants
Other plants that are related to Syzygium Samarangense include:
- Syzygium Jambos (Rose Apple)
- Syzygium Cumini (Java Plum)
- Syzygium Aromaticum (Clove)
References
- “Syzygium samarangense.” PlantNet. Accessed 11 August 2021. https://uses.plantnet-project.org/en/Syzygium_samarangense_(PROSEA)
- “Wax apple.” Purdue University Center for New Crops & Plant Products. Accessed 11 August 2021. https://hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/wax_apple.html
- “Syzygium samarangense.” The Plant List. Accessed 11 August 2021. http://www.theplantlist.org/tpl1.1/record/kew-199310
