Ambarella (Spondias Pinnata )

Ambarella (Scientific - Spondias Pinnata | Sin - අම්බරෙල්ලා) also known as golden appleis a vigorous deciduous tree growing up to 25 m in height and 45 cm in trunk diameter. It is tolerant to drought and fruiting commence four years after seed sowing or two (2) years from cuttings. The leaves are pinnate, comprised of 9 to 25 glossy, elliptic leaflets. The flowers are white and small in terminal panicles. Fruits are oval, containing a fibrous pit which is edible. Ambarella was primarily cultivated as food source. The fruits may be eaten raw, or made into juice, preserves, jams or flavorings. Young leaves are used as seasoning or cooked as a vegetable while mature leaves are used in salads.While the fruit is still firm, the flesh is crisp, juicy and subacid, and has a somewhat pineapple-like fragrance and flavor. If allowed to soften, the aroma and flavor become musky and the flesh difficult to slice because of conspicuous and tough fibers extending from the rough ridges of the 5-celled, woody core containing 1 to 5 flat seeds.

Medicinally, the plant is used in the treatment of wounds, sore, burns, diarrhea, eye inflammations, hemorrhage, sore throats, mouth infection, cataracts, dysentery, coughs, fever, and stomach pain among others. The wood is light in weight, moderately soft, and not durable.

Care