Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Syzygium samarangense, commonly known as wax jambu, wax apple, or Java apple, is a tropical fruit tree native to a broad region extending from northeastern India through Southeast Asia to northern Vanuatu. This attractive evergreen tree typically grows 15–40 feet (5–12 m) tall and produces glossy green leaves, clusters of pale yellow-white flowers, and distinctive bell-shaped fruits with smooth, waxy skin. Fruit colors range from white and pale green to pink, red, and deep crimson depending on the cultivar. The crisp, juicy fruits are mildly sweet and are commonly eaten fresh, used in fruit salads, pickled, or incorporated into beverages and desserts. Wax jambu is widely cultivated throughout the tropics as a fruit tree and ornamental due to its attractive appearance, shade value, and edible harvest.

Risks & Threats:
Wax jambu is considered a low-risk species for Hawaiʻi. Although it produces abundant fruit that can attract birds, fruit bats, and other animals capable of dispersing seeds, there is little evidence that the species behaves invasively or forms self-sustaining populations that threaten native ecosystems. Seedlings may occasionally establish near cultivated trees, but the species has not demonstrated the aggressive spread, rapid growth, or ecosystem-altering characteristics associated with invasive plants. As with any introduced species, responsible cultivation and monitoring are encouraged, but current evidence indicates that wax jambu poses minimal environmental risk and is a suitable choice for tropical home orchards and landscapes.

High Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in several places (but no evidence in Hawaiian Islands to date)
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Related Syzygium species are invasive
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds in certain areas, frugivorous mammals and people

Low Risk Traits:

• Despite ability to spread, no negative impacts have been documented
  
• Unarmed
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Landscaping and ornamental value
  
• Not able to spread vegetativel
  
• Reaches maturity in 3-7 years
  
• Relatively large seeds unlikely to be accidentally dispersed
  
• Fruits often seedless
  
• Seeds will not form a persistent seed bank