Syzygium Species, Rose Apple, Malabar Plum, Plum Rose, Pomarosa, Wax Apple

A fruit tree with beautiful and fragrant flowers. The fruit tastes somewhat like rose water but the tree doesn't produce a lot of fruit ...Read Morefor its large size. Used in coffee plantations as a windbreak. It has beautiful foliage similar to mango and oleander leaves.

Malabar Plum, Rose Apple, Plum Rose, Pomarosa or Wax Apple (Syzygium jambos) is listed as a Category Two Invasive by the Florida Exotic P...Read Moreest Plant Council (FLEPPC). It is widely cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions such as in Hawaii as an ornamental/valuable shade tree or for it's edible fruit (plums). However, this species is starting to spread and become invasive in central and southern Florida's counties and in the Keys, from zone 9a through zone 11. The fruit (plums) are dispersed by birds and wildlife into natural areas where this tree may quickly grow, outcompeting or shading out surrounding and native vegetation. It is a medium-size to large tree, anywhere from 15 or 20 feet to 30 or 40 feet or more. It is an attractive ornamental tree for shade, but should not be planted in central and southern Florida and other areas where it is or can become invasive. The white or cream-colored attractive flowers are pollinated by butterflies and/or insects. It has a medium to fast growth rate. It has naturalized in Florida in several counties in the central and southern halves of the state, including Brevard, Sarasota, Lee, Collier, Monroe (the Keys), Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties (zones 9a through 11). It quickly spreads into natural areas and habitats, grows quickly, reproduces, and can crowd out native plants in many areas.

MORE FACTS - Invasive also on some Pacific Islands and areas of the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, where it was introduced. This tree has been also introduced throughout many tropical and subtropical areas worldwide. It is native to Southeast Asia, the East Indies and Malaya, including Malabar. It is a highly shade-tolerant species in forests in the humid subtropics and tropical areas. The flowers are scented. It has been widely cultivated for many centuries because of it's high value as a food source. The wood is also used for firewood and other purposes, although it is not the best quality. In central and southern Florida it is a Category Two Invasive, but has still been popular in that area as a landscape tree or windbreak. In it's native distribution, this tree is not as tall as in other areas and has a low stature. This tree has also been planted not just as a source of food or landscape tree, but also as a windbreak and for erosion control. The fruit (plums) can also be used (distilled) for rosewater. However, this tree should not be planted in areas where it is invasive or can become invasive!