Syzygium is a genus belongs to Myrtle (Myrtaceae) family that covers more than 1200 genus. There are about 1300 species in the Syzygium genus. Syzyygium jambos is one of the species of this genus. It is thought to be native to Southeast Asia, Indonesia, Philippines and Malaysia, and is cultivated and naturalized in many parts of tropics; India, Ceylon and tropical America. Eugenia jambos and Myrtus jambos are synonims. Indian name “Pomarrosa”s, English equivalent is “Rose Apple”. The Rose Apple in no way resembles an apple, neither in the tree nor in its fruit.

Syzyygium jambos is either a big shrub or a small tree, reaching 8-12 m in height, and has a dense crown is generally overall width exceeding the height. The evergreen leaves are opposite, 10-20 cm long, lanceolate, tapering to a point. The young leaves are glossy red when growing, but turn dark green when mature.

The flowers of Rose Apple are in small terminal clusters, cream white or greenish white and long, numerous stamens giving them a diameter of 4–8 cm. In temperate regions the tree is summer-flowering, although in tropics flowers all year around.

Edible fruit of Syzygium jambos is shaped like some kinds of guava. Fruits are round, oval, or slightly pear-shaped, 4-5 cm long, with smooth, thin, and pale-yellowish skin. Fruits have a thin layer of pale yellowish flesh and a hollow central cavity containing 1-3 large brown seeds which loosen from the inner wall and rattle when the fruit is shaken. It tastes like a cross between apple and watermelon. The flesh is very distinctly rose scented.

Rose Apple’s fruits spoil very quickly so they should be used soon after picking.  In India, a mature tree will yield 2,5 kg of fruit each season. Rich in vitamin C, the fruit can be eaten raw or used in various regional recipes. The fruit is made into jam or jelly with lemon juice added, or more frequently preserved in combination with other fruits of more pronounced flavour. It is also made into syrup for use as a sauce or to flavour cold drinks.

Syzygium jambos trees are grown from seeds, which are polyembryonic (producing 1-3 sprouts), but the seedlings are not uniform in character nor behaviour. In some countries, vegetative propagation has been undertaken with a view to standardizing the crop. A deep, loamy soil is considered ideal for the Rose Apple but it is not necessary, for it flourishes also on sand and limestone with very little organic matter. Fruiting can be expected within 3-4 years.

Use in landscape: The Syzygium jambos flourishes in the tropical and near-tropical climates only. In temperate climate, the tree grows vigorously but will not bear fruit. So there is no way to use this tree in open ground at cold and temperate climate regions, despite to beautiful flowers and lovely fruit. But they can be grown as container plants and will easily fruit in pots. So it can be used at winter gardens.

The seeds are said to be poisonous. An alkaloid, jambosine, has been found in the bark of the tree and of the roots, so these parts of tree are also considered poisonous. The bark has been used for tanning and yields a brown dye. The heartwood is dark-red or brown, strong and has been used to make furniture etc.

Medicinal Uses: Some parts of the tree are used in regional traditional medicine. In India, the fruit is regarded as a tonic for the brain and liver. An infusion of the fruit acts as a diuretic. The leaf decoction is applied to sore eyes, also serves as a diuretic, expectorant and used treatment for rheumatism. The juice of macerated leaves is taken as a febrifuge. The tree is variously rich in tannins that are of some antimicrobial interest.