Water apple (Syzygium aqueum)

Water apple is a small South-east Asian myrtle tree grown in Kerala and other humid Indian gardens for its watery, mildly sweet fruit. Tamil and Malayalam homes often lump it with wax apple under names like chambakka, and in Hindi both may be called jumrool. Water apple fruits are smaller and paler. Older books call it Eugenia aquea.

Botanical name: Syzygium aqueum (Burm.f.) Alston
Family: Myrtaceae
Tamil: Neer chambakka
Hindi: Jumrool
Parts used: Ripe fruit
Habit: Water apple; English jambu is a shop word
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Water apple

It is a small tree or large shrub, usually three to ten metres tall, with a short, often crooked trunk.

The leaves are oval, opposite and almost stalkless, with a rounded or heart-shaped base that seems to clasp the twig.

Clusters of pale yellow-white flowers with long stamens appear on the twigs behind the leaves.

The fruit is small, bell-shaped and shiny, white, pale green or pink, about two to three centimetres long.

Wax apple, Syzygium samarangense, has bigger fruits and larger leaves on short stalks.

Traditional use of Water apple

Kitchen

The fruit is eaten fresh, often with salt and chilli powder, as a thirst-quenching snack in hot weather.

Kerala and South-east Asian food practice

Kitchen

In Indonesia and Malaysia it is sliced into rujak, a spicy fruit salad with palm sugar dressing.

Malay and Indonesian food practice

Modern notes on Water apple

The fruit is mostly water, with small amounts of vitamin C and fibre, and few calories.

Its mild taste makes it more of a refreshment than a source of nutrients.

The fruits bruise easily and last only a few days, so they are rarely shipped far.

Water apple safety

The ripe fruit is a safe food in normal amounts. Wash it well, because it is eaten with the skin.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to the region from the Malay Peninsula to New Guinea.

It likes humid lowlands with steady water and grows poorly in dry areas.

Bees and other insects pollinate the flowers, and birds and bats eat the fruit.

Related plants

Also in Myrtaceae

Questions about Water apple

Is water apple the same as wax apple?

No. They are related, but wax apple has larger fruit.

What does Water apple taste like?

Watery, crisp and mildly sweet, sometimes slightly sour.

How do you eat Water apple?

Fresh with the skin, often with a sprinkle of salt and chilli.

Is Water apple the same as naval or jamun?

No. Jamun is Syzygium cumini, with dark purple fruit.

Where does Water apple grow well in India?

In humid areas such as Kerala and coastal Karnataka.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.