Pacific Island Ecosystems at Risk (PIER)


Syzygium malaccense


RISK ASSESSMENT RESULTS: Low risk, score: 0


Australian/New Zealand Weed Risk Assessment adapted for Hawai‘i.
Information on Risk Assessments
Original risk assessment
  Syzygium malaccense (Common names: malay apple, rose apple, mountain apple) Synonyms: Caryophyllus malaccensis (L.) Stokes, Eugenia malaccensis L., Jambos malaccensis  Family - Myrtaceae Answer Score
1.01 Is the species highly domesticated? n 0
1.02 Has the species become naturalized where grown? y  
1.03 Does the species have weedy races? n  
2.01 Species suited to tropical or subtropical climate(s) (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high) – If island is primarily wet habitat, then substitute “wet tropical” for “tropical or subtropical” 2  
2.02 Quality of climate match data (0-low; 1-intermediate; 2-high)                 see appendix 2 2  
2.03 Broad climate suitability (environmental versatility) n 0
2.04 Native or naturalized in regions with tropical or subtropical climates y 1
2.05 Does the species have a history of repeated introductions outside its natural range?  y=-2 y  
3.01 Naturalized beyond native range         y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2), n= question 2.05 y 2
3.02 Garden/amenity/disturbance weed                              y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) n 0
3.03 Agricultural/forestry/horticultural weed                         y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) n 0
3.04 Environmental weed                                                     y = 2*multiplier (see Append 2) n 0
3.05 Congeneric weed                                                          y = 1*multiplier (see Append 2) y 2
4.01 Produces spines, thorns or burrs n 0
4.02 Allelopathic n 0
4.03 Parasitic n 0
4.04 Unpalatable to grazing animals    
4.05 Toxic to animals n 0
4.06 Host for recognized pests and pathogens n 0
4.07 Causes allergies or is otherwise toxic to humans n 0
4.08 Creates a fire hazard in natural ecosystems n 0
4.09 Is a shade tolerant plant at some stage of its life cycle y 1
4.1 Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions (or limestone conditions if not a volcanic island) y 1
4.11 Climbing or smothering growth habit n 0
4.12 Forms dense thickets n 0
5.01 Aquatic n 0
5.02 Grass n 0
5.03 Nitrogen fixing woody plant n 0
5.04 Geophyte (herbaceous with underground storage organs -- bulbs, corms, or tubers) n 0
6.01 Evidence of substantial reproductive failure in native habitat n 0
6.02 Produces viable seed. y 1
6.03 Hybridizes naturally n -1
6.04 Self-compatible or apomictic    
6.05 Requires specialist pollinators    
6.06 Reproduction by vegetative fragmentation n -1
6.07 Minimum generative time (years)                 1 year = 1, 2 or 3 years = 0, 4+ years = -1 7 -1
7.01 Propagules likely to be dispersed unintentionally (plants growing in heavily trafficked areas) n -1
7.02 Propagules dispersed intentionally by people y 1
7.03 Propagules likely to disperse as a produce contaminant n -1
7.04 Propagules adapted to wind dispersal n -1
7.05 Propagules water dispersed n -1
7.06 Propagules bird dispersed y 1
7.07 Propagules dispersed by other animals (externally) n -1
7.08 Propagules survive passage through the gut y 1
8.01 Prolific seed production (>1000/m2) n -1
8.02 Evidence that a persistent propagule bank is formed (>1 yr) n -1
8.03 Well controlled by herbicides    
8.04 Tolerates, or benefits from, mutilation, cultivation, or fire n -1
8.05 Effective natural enemies present locally (e.g. introduced biocontrol agents)    
  Total score:   0

Supporting data:

  Notes Reference
1.01 No evidence that the cultivated  trees are substantially different from the wild trees.  
1.02 (1)In Hawaii, Malay apples (mountain apples) commonly grow in mid-elevation rain forest areas, often as large understory trees. They do not succeed as well at sea level. Trees usually require little care other than year-round water. Flowering usually occurs in early summer followed by fruit ripening 3 months later. ...Now common growing wild on the Hawaiian islands.   (2)"Eggers, who studied the flora of St. Croix, reported seeing naturalized trees in shaded valleys during his stay on the island from 1870 to 1876."  (3)"In Fiji, "completely naturalized in thickets or dense or open forest from near sea level to an elevation of about 800 m" (Smith, 1985). In Hawai‘i, "a Polynesian introduction, now widely naturalized in low elevation mesic to wet sites, primarily mesic valleys, 200-310 m" (Wagner et al., 1999)."  (4)Although it is not considered invasive, it has naturalized in localized areas where it was introduced. (1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm  (2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html  (3)http://www.hear.org/pier/species/syzygium_malaccense.htm  (3)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:9pWp-udn4FMJ:www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf+%22Syzygium+malaccense%22+weed&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1
1.03 (1)"Ochse mentions an oblong to pear-shaped, white form called djamboo pootih, djamboo bodas, or djamboo kemang, which, in Java, is less flavorful than the red type. He says that there are many forms because of seedling variation. A large, especially sweet and juicy clone was introduced into the Philippines from Hawaii in 1922."   (2)"Two color forms exist over most of its range, the common one with white fruits and flowers. These have not been given taxonomic rank, but in Polynesia and Melanesia they are recognized in the local languages. ... Some commercail companies recognize many selected clones. Trees of selected varieties are available from tropical fruit nurseries, especaially in south Florida." [No evidence regarding weediness of these varieties]. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
2.01 Native to Malaysia. http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm
2.02 The malay apple is a typical tropical plant and can only be grown in the most southern part of Florida. http://www.cybermango.net/tropilab/syzygium-malaccense.html
2.03 (1)Hardiness: USDA zone 10 - 11.  (2)Hardiness: USDA Zone 11: above 4.5° C (40° F) (1)http://www.cybermango.net/tropilab/syzygium-malaccense.html  (2)http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/65186/
2.04 (1)Has been spread by humans through much of southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. Now common growing wild on the Hawaiian islands. The Malay apple (or mountain apple as it is known in Hawaii) was an important fruit of the Polynesians, and was later distributed to the America's on one of Captain Bligh's voyages.  (2)"The Malay apple is presumed to be a native of Malaysia. It is commonly cultivated from Java to the Philippines and Vietnam, also in Bengal and South India. Portuguese voyagers carried it from Malacca to Goa and from there it was introduced into East Africa. It must have spread throughout the Pacific Islands in very early times for it is featured in Fijian mythology and the wood was used by ancient Hawaiians to make idols" -Introduced to several countires in Central and SOuth America too. (1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm  (2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
2.05 (1)Has been spread by humans through much of southeast Asia and the Pacific islands. Now common growing wild on the Hawaiian islands. The Malay apple (or mountain apple as it is known in Hawaii) was an important fruit of the Polynesians, and was later distributed to the America's on one of Captain Bligh's voyages.  (2)"The Malay apple is presumed to be a native of Malaysia. It is commonly cultivated from Java to the Philippines and Vietnam, also in Bengal and South India. Portuguese voyagers carried it from Malacca to Goa and from there it was introduced into East Africa. It must have spread throughout the Pacific Islands in very early times for it is featured in Fijian mythology and the wood was used by ancient Hawaiians to make idols" -Introduced to several countires in Central and SOuth America too. (1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm  (2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
3.01 (1)In Hawaii, Malay apples (mountain apples) commonly grow in mid-elevation rain forest areas, often as large understory trees. They do not succeed as well at sea level. Trees usually require little care other than year-round water. Flowering usually occurs in early summer followed by fruit ripening 3 months later. ...Now common growing wild on the Hawaiian islands.   (2)"Eggers, who studied the flora of St. Croix, reported seeing naturalized trees in shaded valleys during his stay on the island from 1870 to 1876."  (3)"In Fiji, "completely naturalized in thickets or dense or open forest from near sea level to an elevation of about 800 m" (Smith, 1985). In Hawai‘i, "a Polynesian introduction, now widely naturalized in low elevation mesic to wet sites, primarily mesic valleys, 200-310 m" (Wagner et al., 1999)."  (4)Although it is not considered invasive, it has naturalized in localized areas where it was introduced. (1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm  (2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html  (3)http://www.hear.org/pier/species/syzygium_malaccense.htm  (3)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:9pWp-udn4FMJ:www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf+%22Syzygium+malaccense%22+weed&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1
3.02 No evidence  
3.03 No evidence  
3.04 "In most places where it has been introduced it is unable to spread. It is not considered invasive, although it has naturalized in isolated  areas where it was introduced." http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
3.05 "Syzygium cumini has been introduced to many different places where it has been utilised as a fruit producer, as an ornamental and also for its timber. The jambolan has the ability to form a dense cover, excluding all other species. This characteristic has allowed it to become invasive in Hawai‘i where it prevents the re-establishment of native lowland forest, and very invasive in the Cook Islands and in French Polynesia. This tree has not been evaluated for biological control, but vigorous efforts to exterminate it with herbicides are taking place in Hawai‘i." http://www.invasivespecies.net/database/species/ecology.asp?si=505&fr=1&sts=
4.01 No evidence of such structures. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
4.02 No evidence  
4.03 No evidence  
4.04 Don’t know.  
4.05 No evidence  
4.06 Host to crop pests/pathogens - Not known as a host for pests. http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
4.07 Probably not  - (1)There are however also medicinal applications. A decoction of the bark is used against vaginal infection, while the root is used to treat itching. The root is also effective against dysentery and as a diuretic.  In Brazil, the plant is also used as a remedy for diabetes and constipation.  (2)"In the Molucca, or Spice, Islands, a decoction of the bark is used to treat thrush. Malayans apply a powder of the dried leaves on a cracked tongue. A preparation of the root is a remedy for itching. The root acts as a diuretic and is given to alleviate edema. The root bark is useful against dysentery, also serves as an emmenagogue and abortifacient. Cambodians take a decoction of the fruit, leaves or seeds as a febrifuge. The juice of crushed leaves is applied as a skin lotion and is added to baths. In Brazil, various parts of the plant are used as remedies for constipation, diabetes, coughs, pulmonary catarrh, headache and other ailments. Seeded fruits, seeds, bark and leaves have shown antibiotic activity and have some effect on blood pressure and respiration." (1)http://www.cybermango.net/tropilab/syzygium-malaccense.html  (2)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
4.08 Probably not - an evergreen species adapted to wet rainforests. http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
4.09 (1)Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Sun to Partial Shade  (2)Full sun - part shade. (3)Partial shade is tolerated. (1)http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/65186/  (2)http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/plant/Syzygium-Malaccense-Malay-Apple-Native-Beauty.htm  (3)http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
4.1 (1)Soil pH requirements: 6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic), 6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)   (2)Hardy in most soil types and tolerant of waterlogging.  (3)Soils: Wide range of types from sand to heavy clay (not on atolls). (1)http://davesgarden.com/pf/go/65186/   (2)http://www.daleysfruit.com.au/fruit%20pages/malay%20apple.htm  (3)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:9pWp-udn4FMJ:www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf+%22Syzygium+malaccense%22+weed&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1   (3)http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:9pWp-udn4FMJ:www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf+%22Syzygium+malaccense%22+weed&hl=en&gl=us&ct=clnk&cd=1
4.11 Not a climber - a medium sized tree. http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
4.12 NO evidence  
5.01 The malay apple is a medium sized tree, growing up to 60' tall. http://www.cybermango.net/tropilab/syzygium-malaccense.html
5.02    
5.03    
5.04    
6.01 "In Java, the tree flowers in May and June and the fruits ripen in August and September." http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
6.02 "Malay apple seeds germinate readily. Many sprout on the ground under the tree." http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html
6.03 Probably not - did not find evidence of hybridization in the genus Syzygium  
6.04    
6.05 Don’t know - flora morphology suggests that it specialist pollinators could be involved. http://images.google.com/images?q=%22Syzygium+malaccense
%22+flower%7Cflowers&hl=en&btnG=Search+Images
6.06 No evidence of spread by vegetative means in the wild.  
6.07 Trees begins to flower at the age of 7-8 years. http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
7.01 Probably not - relatively large seeds - 1.6-2 cm in diameter - also some trees produce seedless fruits - no evidence tha the tree is used commonly as an avenue tree. http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
7.02 (1)"Almost always eaten fresh and chilled. Malay apple's make great thirst quenching snacks. The fruit can also be used to make wines." (2)"The tree is quite attractive and highly ornamental, especially when in bloom, and it makes a nice shade tree." (1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm  (2)http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
7.03 "Malay apple is often planted in and among other trees such as citrus, coffee, macadamia nuts etc. It is a good fruit for eating while working in the field. By planting at various elevations on a farm, the season fruits are available can be extended by several weeks." [Some trees are known to produce seedless fruits - also seeds relatively large 1.6 - 2 cm in diameter- so probably not].  
7.04 Probably not - no evidence that the seeds have any adaptation for wind dispersal.  
7.05 Probably not - no evidence that the species grows near waterways.  
7.06 "In its native range the seeds are probably dispersed by birds (particularly pigeons), who eat the fruit, and also by fruit bats. Where suitable dispersers are absent, the tree disperses poorly, probably not spreading far from the parent tree." http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
7.07 Probably not - no evidence that the propagules have any means of attachment.  
7.08 (1)"In its native range the seeds are probably dispersed by birds (particularly pigeons), who eat the fruit, and also by fruit bats. Where suitable dispersers are absent, the tree disperses poorly, probably not spreading far from the parent tree."  (2)"Many birds enjoy eating the ripe fruit, both on the tree and after falling to the ground. Pigs most cetainly will eat fallen fruit."  (3)"seed large, about 2 cm broad" [Although the reference suggests that the seeds are probably dispered by birds and bats - it does not seem likely that a 2 cm broad seed is swallowed by birds, the seeds more likely survive the guts of bats]. (1) and (2)http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf   (3)http://www.hear.org/pier/species/syzygium_malaccense.htm
8.01 (1)"The fruit, oblong, obovoid, or bell-shaped, 2 to 4 in (5-10 cm.) long, 1 to 3 in (2.5-7.5 cm) wide at the apex, has thin, smooth, waxy skin, rose-red or crimson or sometimes white with streaks of red or pink, and white, crisp or spongy, juicy flesh of very mild, sweetish flavor. There may be a single oblate or nearly round seed or 2 hemispherical seeds, 5/8 to 3/4 in (1.6-2 cm) in width, light-brown externally, green internally and somewhat meaty in texture.The fruits of some trees are entirely seedless."  (2)"seed large, about 2 cm broad" (1)http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/malay_apple.html   (2)http://www.hear.org/pier/species/syzygium_malaccense.htm
8.02 (1)Propagation: Often by seeds which loose viability quickly.  (2)"The seeds are fleshy and do not retain viability when stored or dried. Because of their short viability, they should be planted straight out of the fruit. If necessary, seeds can be stored 2-3 weeks wrapped in a lightly moistened medium such as paper towel and kept in a cool, dark place." (1)http://www.tradewindsfruit.com/malay_apple.htm  (2)http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
8.03 No evidence that the species is being controlle for.  
8.04 "It is probably not adapted to fire, as it is native to wet tropical rainforest, which is not subject to fire." "Pruning can control the trees size, although heavy pruning can kill the tree." http://www.agroforestry.net/tti/Syzygium-Malayapple.pdf
8.05 Don’t know.  

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