Syzygium jambos is a small ornamental and fruit-producing tree from South East Asia. There are a number of varieties producing fruit of various colours and they are grown in many (frost-free) areas of the world. It has been introduced to all continents except Antarctica and can be invasive and a threat to local ecosystems in some areas.

The flowers have small greenish petals and sepals with a spectacular bunch of long white stamens. In temperate regions the tree flowers in summer. The fruit has one or two large seeds and a strong pleasant bouquet (hence the name rose-apple). It can be grown easily from seed, will do well as a container plant and will flower in as little as three years from seed. It is said to tolerate some slight frost.

Photos taken in the Palm House of Belfast Botanic Gardens in 2016. Copyright: Friends of Belfast Botanic Gardens.