Mountain Apple

Overview

Mountain apple has glossy leaves, puffs of bright pink flowers along its trunk and branches, and crisp, juicy, bell-shaped red fruit.

History

Mountain apple is native to Malaysia and the western Pacific and is grown in wet tropical areas for its fruit and timber.

Growing on Kauaʻi

• Thrives in wet, humid, sheltered valleys and windward areas.
• Needs moisture; struggles on dry sites.

Planting and propagation

• Plant fresh seeds or buy a young tree.
• Mulch well and protect from wind while young.

Care and maintenance

• Water in dry spells.
• Prune to keep fruit within reach.

Role in the guild

A good canopy or sub-canopy tree for wet-side guilds, with banana, pigeon pea, turmeric, and katuk beneath.

Harvest

Fruit ripens in summer, about three months after flowering. Pick when deep red and eat soon; it bruises easily and keeps only a few days.

Uses

• Food: fresh fruit, juice, or pickled.
• Bees: abundant flowers feed pollinators.
• Shade: a dense canopy.

Problems to watch

• Fruit flies on ripe and fallen fruit.
• Rose-apple rust (myrtle rust) on young leaves.

General guidance for Kauaʻi; conditions vary by site. Check any new plant at plantpono.org before planting.