Mammee apple

Mammee Apple

The Mammee Apple (Mammea americana) is a tropical fruit tree species belonging to the family Calophyllaceae. Native to the American tropics, it is widely cultivated for its tasty fruit and is also used in traditional medicine.

Description

The Mammee Apple tree can reach heights of up to 20 meters. It has a broad, dense canopy that provides shade. The leaves are evergreen, opposite, oval or oblong, and measure 8-20 cm in length. The flowers are solitary or in small clusters, white to pink, and very fragrant.

The fruit is a berry, round to slightly irregular in shape, and measures 10-20 cm in diameter. It has a thick, rough skin that is brown to grayish-brown. The flesh is orange to red, sweet and aromatic, and contains 1-4 large, brown seeds.

Cultivation

Mammee Apple is grown in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. It prefers well-drained soils and full sun exposure. The tree is propagated by seeds, which have a low germination rate and take several months to sprout. Grafting is also used to ensure the quality of the fruit.

Uses

The fruit of the Mammee Apple is consumed fresh or used in the preparation of jams, jellies, and beverages. The seeds are used in traditional medicine to treat skin conditions and parasitic infections. The wood of the tree is hard and durable, and is used in construction and carpentry.

See also

• Tropical fruit
• Traditional medicine