In the tropical countries of south and southeast Asia, Wax Apple is a small tree common in orchards and home gardens. Although not as sweet or tasty as an apple, its bell-shaped fruits are favorite,
The shape and color of the fruit itself is the main attraction. Because of this, it is also called Bell Fruit or Rose Apple.
In places like Kerala, apart from growing as an ornamental tree, it is seldom sold as a commercial commodity. However, in the southeast Asian countries like Vietnam and Taiwan, it commonly sold in fruit markets under the name Java Apple or Wax Jambu.

Table of Contents
Java Apple at a Glance
Plant Type: Small Evergreen Tree
Family: Myrtaceae
Scientific name: Syzygium samarangense
Common names: Wax Apple, Rose Apple, Java Apple, Jamrul, Wax Jambu
Malayalam: Chambakka
Description
This small evergreen tree can be up to 40 feet tall with wide foliage. It is well-suited for gardens.
The fruit is about 5 cm long with wider bottom. It is white or light green before ripening. After ripening, it turns rose. The outer texture is glossy giving the name wax-apple. It seems to be made of wax. On the inside the fruit is spongy white with lots of water content.
The taste is not very sweet. It is a mix of sweetness and sour. However, it is said to have many health benefits.
Culinary Uses
In Kerala, its main use is in preparing pickles or Chambakka achar.
Medicinal Values
In traditional medicines, Syzygium samarangense was used to treat ailments including fever and diabetes. Studies also suggests that it has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Apart from it, the fruit also contains several anti-oxidants.
Distribution
Although now common all over the tropics in Asia and South East Asia, the tree is native to the Malay Peninsula and the Andaman islands.
How to Grow
Propagation of Syzygium samarangense is by seeds. Stem cutting may not work well for it.
The plant grows well in tropical conditions. To make things easier, it does not require very fertile soils.
It grows comparatively faster and starts flowering within one year of planting.
wat mooi en heel apart deze vruchten komen alleen bij jullie voor?
Lovely pictures.
Mmmm… crunchy and juicy Chaampakka! I don't think I notices the flowers earlier. The fruits are definitely prettier than the flowers, for a change. 🙂
I hope you are having a happy new year, Abhinav. 🙂
I ever saw this rose apple and flowers, but the shape of the fruit resembles Cashew Apples. Of course, the color is very pretty 🙂
Beautiful photos!
ummmm… my fav ! I just love the bright red fruit …
Hi Abhinav,
Superb Macro photography, loved it 🙂
Keep it up.
Regards
Jay
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Amazing vibrant colors 🙂
What a lovely color! Very tempting!
Aww nice..looks really different and more like a fruit!
Oh, the bright red color is so very vibrant.. beautiful!!