Golden Apple
Spondias dulcisfam. Anacardiaceae
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Pl. 219E — Spondias dulcis
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IOverview
Overview
The Golden Apple (Spondias dulcis) is a tree native to the Bismarck Archipelago, Maluku, New Guinea, Santa Cruz Islands, and Solomon Islands. Known for its edible fruit, this tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 15 meters tall. It prefers moist or dry conditions and adapts well to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils. Hardy from zones 9-12, the Golden Apple is a versatile plant that provides both ornamental value and sustenance through its fruit and leaves. One distinctive feature of this tree is its ability to grow in various soil types, making it adaptable to different environments.
Quick answers
What is Golden Apple?
The Golden Apple (Spondias dulcis) is a tree native to the Bismarck Archipelago, Maluku, New Guinea, Santa Cruz Islands, and Solomon Islands. Known for its edible fruit, this tree thrives in full sun to partial shade and can grow up to 15 meters tall.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Golden Apple thrives in full to partial sun and prefers moist to dry conditions. It grows well in light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay) soil types. The tree is hardy in zones 9-12 and can reach heights of 15 meters. For propagation, use seeds or grafting. Regular watering is beneficial during the growing season, but ensure good drainage to avoid waterlogging. Skip pruning unless necessary for shaping or removing dead branches.
Light
Full sun, Partial sun/shade
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
15.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Golden Apple for the first time
8steps
Start with a simple, low-maintenance tree that will thrive in your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
A Golden Apple sapling or seedling, a trowel, and some mulch.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Golden Apple during spring when temperatures are warm.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining; amend with compost if necessary. For containers, use a pot at least 1 meter in diameter.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling to a sunny spot, digging a hole twice as wide and deep as the root ball.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun exposure and regular watering, especially during dry periods. Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune the tree annually in late winter to encourage fruiting and remove dead branches. Harvest fruits when they turn golden yellow.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sunlight, neglecting regular pruning, and failing to protect from pests.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Condiment
Other uses:FencingLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
5 native · 25 introduced
Distribution
5 native · 25 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 5 native· 25 introduced
Asia2 regions
introduced (2)CambodiaLaos
Americas10 regions
introduced (10)ColombiaCosta RicaCubaDominican RepublicEcuadorFrench GuianaGuatemalaGuyanaHaitiJamaica
Africa3 regions
introduced (3)CameroonComorosGuinea-Bissau
Oceania1 region
introduced (1)Fiji
Broader regions
native:Maluku, New Guinea, Santa Cruz Is., Solomon Is., Bismarck Archipelago
introduced:Brazil Southeast, Caroline Is., Cayman Is., Central African Repu, Christmas I., Cook Is., Gulf of Guinea Is., Jawa, Leeward Is.
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Anacardiaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Anacardiaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
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Growing zone
XII
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