The ambarella, Spondias cytherea, is a fast-growing medium-sized
tree native to the Society Islands of the South Pacific. In Florida it has
been grown for many years and is a favorite fruit of many people.
The large spreading tree can reach heights of forty to fifty feet
with an equal width and it has long pinnately-compound leaves which can
be from twelve to thirty inches long. The does lose its leaves for a brief
period during the winter months, usually during January and February.
Clusters of tiny whitish flowers are borne in terminal clusters
during March through April, and the large one-and-a-half to two-and-a-half-inch
oval fruit ripen in the fall. Fruits at maturity have a yellow to golden-orange
skin and an orangey-yellow pulp surrounding a single large spiny seed. Flavor
varies from acid to sweet and most people eat this as a fresh fruit; however,
it does make excellent preserves, jellies or sauces. In many cultures, the
fruit is also eaten green before full maturity.
These grow well in a wide variety of soil types and can grow as
much as four to seven feet in a single growing season. Propagation of this
tree is very easily accomplished by rooting large hardwood cuttings. Superior
varieties can be airlayered also. Seedlings often produce variable fruit so
most people prefer to propagate ambarella by hardwood cuttings or by airlayering.
Trees are cold sensitive when small and should be protected from
serious frost or freeze. Even large trees will freeze at about 30°F.
Trees do best in full sun, but will produce some fruit in light shade, but
should not be planted beneath other larger trees. If you live close to salt
water, this tree has poor salt tolerance and should be be protected from
the effects of salt spray.
© 2000 BGCII Page posted March 2004
