Limonia acidissima ( Wood Apple ) is a large fruit tree that is native to India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The Wood Apple produces large berry fruits about the size of a cricket ball and is a good source of protein, iron and calcium. Fruits are also made into popular drinks in their native lands and have a similar appearance to the Indian Bael. The tree is also highly regarded for its medicinal properties.
Suitable for Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
Also commonly known as the Elephant Apple Tree and is the only species under the genus Limonia.
Wood Apple trees generally take around 10-15 years from seed to start producing fruit. In the meantime, they make a beautiful shade tree in warmer climates.
Growth
Limonia acidissima is a deciduous tree that reaches heights of up to 9 metres (30 feet). The Wood Apple is suitable for climates where temperatures rarely dip below 12°C / 53°F making them difficult to grow south of Brisbane. They prefer warm, humid and moist conditions and go dormant during even the mildest of winters. In their native regions, Wood Apples grow quickly during the wet, hot seasons.
Leaves of the Wood Apple are pinnate with 5-7 leaflets, each roughly 30mm long. When crushed they leave a citrus scent. White or sometimes light red flowers occur during the dry winters and have five petals. Fruits are berries that range from 5-9 cm in diameter and are either sweet or sour depending on when they are picked. Their rinds appear greenish-brown and is hard to crack open. The flesh is sticky with a brown pulp.
FAMILY:
Rutaceae
CLIMATE:
Sub-Tropical and Tropical climates.
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
12°C to 35°C / 53 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining, moist nutritious soil.
LOCATION:
Full Sun – Part Shade.
HEIGHT:
Up to 9 metres (30 feet)
WIDTH:
Up to 6 metres (20 feet)
pH:
6.0-7.5
GROWTH TYPE:
Deciduous
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Low
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by Bees and Insects
MATURITY:
10-15 years
GERMINATION RATES:
65-85%
GERMINATION TIME:
3-4 weeks germination
SEEDS PER GRAM:
N/A
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes.
WEED POTENTIAL:
No.
EDIBLE:
Yes.
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years.
FACTS ABOUT LIMONIA ACIDISSIMA (Wood Apple)
The Wood Apple is used as a liver and cardiac tonic when unripe, and is used to treat symptoms of diarrhoea, dysentry, sore throat and diseases of the gums.
The pulp is added to a poultice and helps with bites and stings of venomous insects.
The fruit contains considerable amounts of protein, carbohydrate, iron and calcium.
