🥭 Golden Apple (*Spondias dulcis*)
🔤 Name English / nombre español / Name Deutsch
Golden Apple / Jobo indio o yuplón / Golden Apple
📄 General description
Golden Apple (Spondias dulcis) is a fast-growing tropical fruit tree native to Polynesia and widely cultivated throughout the tropics. It is valued for its juicy, tangy fruit and its adaptability to diverse soil and climate conditions. The tree is commonly planted in home gardens, along roadsides, and in mixed agroforestry systems. It also serves as a shade tree and provides timber and leaf fodder in some regions.
🌿 Botanical Characteristics:
Family
Anacardiaceae / (Cashew or sumac family)
Growth and Structure
Golden Apple is a medium to large deciduous tree reaching 10–15 meters in height. It has a straight trunk, an open, spreading crown, and long, drooping branches. The tree exhibits rapid vertical and lateral growth, especially in the early years. It is moderately wind-tolerant but may shed branches under strong loads due to brittle wood.
Leaves
Leaves are pinnately compound, with 9 to 25 leaflets per leaf. Each leaflet is oblong with a pointed tip and smooth edges. The foliage is lush and light green, with leaves arranged alternately. The tree typically sheds its leaves at the end of the dry season.
Flowers
Flowers are small, white to pale greenish, and borne in large terminal panicles. They are hermaphroditic, though functional separation may occur. Blooming often takes place before or during leaf flush, enhancing visibility to pollinators.
Pollination
Pollination is mainly insect-mediated, particularly by bees and flies. Some wind pollination may occur. Cross-pollination can increase fruit yield and quality.
Sexual System
Hermaphroditic
Sexual System Notes
Flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, although some trees may exhibit functional unisexuality. Cross-pollination is common but not strictly necessary.
🌤️ Soil and Climate Preferences
Golden Apple grows well in tropical and subtropical climates, preferring areas with moderate to high rainfall. It tolerates a wide range of soils, including sandy and clayey substrates, as long as drainage is adequate. The species thrives in full sun and is moderately drought-tolerant once established.
🥭 Fruit and Use:
General Use
The fruit is eaten raw, cooked, or made into juices, jams, and chutneys. It is also pickled or used green in salads and savory dishes. Beyond food, the wood is used for light construction, and leaves may serve as fodder. In some traditions, the bark and leaves are used medicinally for digestive and respiratory issues.
Ripening Season in Costa Rica
In the Caribbean lowlands of Costa Rica, Golden Apple generally fruits between March and May, with some variation depending on rainfall. A secondary, lighter fruiting season may occur in late rainy months.
Common Fruit Traits
The fruits are oval to oblong, 6–10 cm long, with tough green skin that turns yellow when ripe. The flesh is juicy and aromatic, with a sweet to tangy flavor. Each fruit contains a large, fibrous stone with many small spines, making it difficult to eat cleanly. Texture and flavor vary widely by cultivar and ripeness.
Climacteric Category
Moderately climacteric
👉🏽 Climacteric category overview
Climacteric Category Notes
Fruits continue to ripen after harvest and may soften significantly within 1–3 days. Harvested green for pickling or ripe for fresh use.
🌱 Propagation and Grafting
Golden Apple is typically propagated from seed, which germinates reliably within 2–3 weeks. Seedlings may vary in fruit quality. Vegetative propagation via cuttings or grafting ensures uniformity and known traits. Grafting onto seedling rootstock is increasingly used in orchard settings.
✂️ Care & Challenges:
Pruning
Regular pruning helps control height and promote lateral growth. Remove suckers, dead branches, and overly dense internal growth to improve light penetration and harvest access.
Diseases and Pests
Generally hardy, but susceptible to anthracnose and powdery mildew in humid conditions. Fruit flies may infest ripening fruit. Occasional scale insects or mealybugs may occur on leaves and branches.
Soil and Fertilization
Responds well to compost, mulch, and balanced organic fertilization. Excess nitrogen may reduce fruit flavor. Deep mulching helps retain moisture in dry seasons.
🧺 Harvest Notes
Fruits are harvested when fully yellow or just before full ripeness, depending on intended use. Hand harvesting is preferred to avoid bruising. Ripe fruits bruise easily and have limited shelf life.
📍 Individuals in the field
👉 Golden Apple (*Spondias dulcis*) – House – Field
📷 Photos
🎬 Related Media
🍽️ Recipes
Will be added soon.