Syzygium samarangense

Wax jambu is a native of the Malay Archipelago. The tree is 16 to 50 feet tall with a short trunk. The fruit is pear-shaped, waxy, and approximately two inches long and two inches wide at the waist. The fruit skin is white, pink, or red, and flesh is spongy white. A single seed is present in the center. The tree flowers during April and May and fruit are harvested from June through July (1). This tropical tree can grow to a height of 16 to 50 feet (5-15m) depending upon temperature and weather conditions. Wax Jambu is native to Malaya and the Nicobar Islands where the trees grow in coastal rainforests. It is very common in Southeast Asia and, Thailand, Viet Nam, Taiwan, Zanzibar and India. It also grows well in central and South America. Wax Jambu is ultra-tropical and cannot handle temperatures below 45 degrees, preferring temperatures above 65 degrees. Soil must be fertile for good fruit production. 'Srinark Red' is the most popular variety.