Ambarella
Spondias dulcis
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Description
Ambarella, or Spondias dulcis, is a tropical fruit tree native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach heights of up to 20 meters. In agroecology, Ambarella serves as a mid-canopy layer in food forests, providing shade and habitat for various wildlife. It is valued for its ability to improve soil fertility through leaf litter and its resilience in diverse soil conditions. Historically, it has been used in traditional agroforestry systems for its fruit and wood. Guild companions include nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato to suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. Its fruits are rich in vitamin C, making them a nutritious addition to diets.
Growing Details
Ambarella thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass can help deter pests, while marigolds can repel nematodes. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they turn golden-yellow, typically in late autumn. Store ripe fruits in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Tags
Carbon Farming
Attracts Wildlife
Fire Wood
Building Wood
Windbreak
Bee Friendly
Visual Appeal
Easy Propagating
Range (Based on GBIF Data)
The map shows known occurrence points of <strong>Spondias dulcis</strong> recorded in scientific biodiversity databases.
Source: <a href="https://www.gbif.org" target="_blank">GBIF.org</a> โ Global Biodiversity Information Facility
Location & Timing
native geo location: Native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Isla
applicable geo region: Tropical and subtropical regions
language used: en
Flowering:
beginning
of September for 60 days
Harvest:
middle
of November for 90 days
Seed Start:
?
Indoor Start:
Transplant:
Uses & Benefits
Edible Rating:
(4/5)
edible uses: The fruit of Ambarella is edible and can be consumed raw or cooked. It is often used in salads, chutneys, and juices. The fruit has a crisp texture and a tart flavor, making it a popular ingredient in tropical cuisines. The fruit is typically available from late autumn to early winter.
Medicinal Rating:
(3/5)
medicinal uses: Ambarella is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves can be made into a poultice for skin conditions, while the bark is sometimes used in decoctions to treat digestive issues. Caution is advised as the sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
health concerns: The sap of Ambarella may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
other uses: The wood of Ambarella can be used for fuel and construction, although it is not highly durable. The tree also provides shade and can be used as a windbreak in agroforestry systems.
Scientific Literature
Loading scientific articles about <strong>Spondias dulcis</strong>...
Botanical data
specie: Spondias dulcis
common names: Ambarella; Golden Apple; Hog Plum
family: Anacardiaceae
sub family:
tribe:
sub tribe:
genus: Spondias
Growing Conditions
area needed: 10.0 m
spacing: 5.0 m
growing difficulty: Low
Deciduous / Evergreen: Evergreen
Seed Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 20ยฐC / 30ยฐC
Plant Temp (Opt/Min/Max): 25ยฐC / 15ยฐC / 35ยฐC
water demands: Medium
humidity: Medium
light demands: High
root type: Deep
frost tender: High
hardness:
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(10/10)
first harvest: 3 years
life span: 50 years
succession: Pioneer
growth rate: Fast
max height: 20.0 m
max width: 10.0 m
soil preference:
Medium (Loam)
pH preference:
Neutral
flower type:
Hermaphrodite
growth details: Ambarella thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Prior to planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and mulch heavily to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants such as lemongrass can help deter pests, while marigolds can repel nematodes. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they turn golden-yellow, typically in late autumn. Store ripe fruits in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.
Potential Disturbances: Common pests include fruit flies and scale insects. Introduce beneficial insects like parasitic wasps to control fruit fly populations. Neem oil can be used as an organic spray against scale insects. Planting basil nearby can help repel fruit flies.
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