
''Syzygium aqueum'' is a species of brush cherry tree. Its common names include watery rose apple, water apple and bell fruit,
and ''jambu'' in
Malay and several Indian languages.
The tree is cultivated for its wood and edible fruit. The fruit is a fleshy, whitish-pinkish to yellowish-pinkish or red berry which is bell-shaped, waxy and crisp.
''Syzygium aqueum'' is native to tropical Asia and Queensland.
[ The tree requires heavy rainfalls and can survive in tropical habitats, up to 1600m above sea level.][ rench, Bruce R. 1989. ''Food plants of Papua New Guinea : a compendium''] In the Philippines, it is locally known as ''tambis'' and is often confused with ''macopa'' (''Syzygium samarangense
''Syzygium'' () is a genus of flowering plants that belongs to the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. The genus comprises about 1200 species, and has a native range that extends from Africa and Madagascar through southern Asia east through the Pacific. I ...
'').
The wood is durable and suitable for making tools. The bark of the tree is sometimes used in herbal medicine
Herbal medicine (also called herbalism, phytomedicine or phytotherapy) is the study of pharmacognosy and the use of medicinal plants, which are a basis of traditional medicine. Scientific evidence for the effectiveness of many herbal treatments ...
s. It is grown in orchards and gardens, and parks as an ornamental plant
Ornamental plants or ''garden plants'' are plants that are primarily grown for their beauty but also for qualities such as scent or how they shape physical space. Many flowering plants and garden varieties tend to be specially bred cultivars th ...
. The leaves are edible and are sometimes used to wrap food.
The fruit has a delicate, slightly sweet flavor reminiscent of apples, with a crisp, watery texture similar to the inside of a watermelon. It is a staple of Southeast Asian fruit stands, where it is inexpensive while in season. It does not bruise easily and may be preserved for months in a household refrigerator.
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aqueum
Trees of Malesia
Trees of New Guinea
Trees of Australia
Flora of Queensland
Myrtales of Australia
Rare flora of Australia
Fruits originating in Asia
Taxa named by Nicolaas Laurens Burman
Austronesian agriculture
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