Ambarella

Spondias dulcis

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Description

Ambarella (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 forest systems, providing shade and habitat for various wildlife. Its fallen leaves contribute to soil fertility, and it is resilient in diverse soil conditions. Traditionally, it has been used in agroforestry systems for its fruit and wood. Ambarella is often planted alongside nitrogen-fixing plants like pigeon pea and ground covers such as sweet potato, which suppress weeds and maintain soil moisture. The fruit is rich in vitamin C, making it a nutritious addition to diets. Its role in agroecological systems includes enhancing biodiversity, improving soil structure, and serving as a windbreak.

Growing Details

Ambarella thrives in well-drained, loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5-7.0). Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like lemongrass can help repel pests, while marigolds can deter nematodes. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they turn golden-yellow, usually in late autumn. Store ripe fruits in a cool, dry place to extend shelf life.

Edible Parts
Fruit
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: sr
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 commonly used in salads, chutneys, and juices. The fruit has a crisp texture and a tangy flavor, making it a popular ingredient in tropical cuisines. Typically, the fruit is available from late autumn to early winter. It is rich in vitamin C and can be pickled or made into jams.
Medicinal Rating: (3/5)
medicinal uses: Ambarella is used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The leaves can be applied as poultices for skin conditions, while the bark is sometimes used in decoctions to treat digestive issues. Caution is advised as the sap may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
health concerns: The sap of Ambarella may cause skin irritation in some individuals.
other uses: Ambarella wood can be used for fuel and construction purposes, although it is not very durable. The tree provides shade and can be used as a windbreak in agroforestry systems.
Scientific Literature

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Botanical data
specie: Spondias dulcis
common names: Ambarella; Zlatna jabuka; Svinjska ลกljiva
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: โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ โ–ˆ (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). Before planting, enrich the soil with organic compost and apply a thick layer of mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Companion plants like lemongrass can help repel pests, while marigolds can deter nematodes. Avoid waterlogging, as it can lead to root rot. Harvest fruits when they turn golden-yellow, usually 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 such as 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.
Growth Timeline
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