Sweet Ambazham grafted plant

Sweet Ambazham  is the local name in Kerala for the Hog Plum or Ambazham fruit, which comes from the tree Spondias dulcis (also sometimes Spondias cytherea).

This tropical fruit tree is popular in Kerala home gardens, and the sweet variety (Sweet Ambazham) is especially prized compared to the common sour types.

General Information

• Scientific name: Spondias dulcis

• Common names: Ambazham, Hog Plum, June Plum, Golden Apple, Otaheite Apple, Ambarella

• Family: Anacardiaceae (mango family)

• Type: Deciduous fruit tree

• Height: 30–60 ft in the ground; smaller when pruned or container-grown

• Leaves: Pinnate, glossy green

• Flowers: Small, white clusters that develop into fruits

 Fruit Characteristics

• Shape: Oval, plum-like, with thin skin

• Color: Green when unripe → yellow-golden when ripe

• Taste:

  • Sour when green (often used for pickles, chutneys, curries)

  • Sweet, juicy, and fibrous when ripe (Sweet Ambazham varieties have less sourness and more pleasant sweetness)

• Seed: Spiny, fibrous pit in the center

Growing Conditions

• Sun Light: Full sun is best for fruiting

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile loam or sandy soil

• Water: Moderate; water regularly while young, drought-tolerant once established

•  Care & Maintenance

• Fertilizer: Use organic compost or cow dung

• Pruning: Trim regularly to control height and encourage branching

Uses

• Ripe fruit: Eaten fresh, made into juices, jams, or chutneys

• Unripe fruit: Used in curries, pickles, and traditional Kerala dishes

• Medicinal: Traditionally believed to aid digestion and cool the body