Black Apple – Planchonella australis

Plant family: Sapotaceae

Plant origin: The black apple is native to Australia, Polynesia, Malaysia.

Fruit description: The Black Apple fruit is a heart shaped smooth black fruit about 60 mm long, produced in large numbers. The edible pulp inside is pinkish white and contains 2 to 5 large shiny black seeds which you do not eat. The flesh has a dry texture and a sweet flavour similar to a fig. When the fruit becomes too ripe, the flesh turns purple.

Flowers: The small white flowers occur in clusters.

Growing conditions: The Black Apple is an evergreen bushy tropical or subtropical tree, also grows in moist coastal areas and mild inland areas. It has lovely glossy leaves. In its native environment it grows up to 30 metres tall, but in cultivation, it grows to about 10 metres. It can be grown in a pot. It cannot tolerate frost. It likes rich, well drained loamy soil, and a warm sheltered position. It likes full sun or part shade. Give the tree plenty of water to get lots of fruit. Feed the tree with general fertiliser.

Uses: Eat the fruit fresh, or for in jam, sauces, or tarts.

Medicinal uses:

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.

Harvest time Summer

Plant relatives Black apple is related to other Pouteria species, such as Sapodilla, and including the one native to New Zealand, P. novo zelandia, grown as an ornamental and for its timber suitable for carving and fine wood working.

Special features:

Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size:

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 2.5 metres high by 2 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 10 metres high by 6 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: