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In Nigeria, it was introduced over fifty (50) years ago from research findings. As a tropical apple tree, it requires ample humidity, high rainfall, and no frost (cold condition). It grows quite well in many parts of Nigeria. Once these basic conditions have been met, the Malay apple trees need little to thrive. It can be planted in homes, parks, gardens and established as apple plantation for commercial purposes. The Malay apple tree starts producing apples three (3) years after planting, while the temperate apple tree produces apples from the sixth year after planting. It produces apples two or three times per tree, per year. It is prolific in producing about 1,000 apples per tree, per harvest as it grows older. That is about 2,000 apples per tree, per year. The average yield is 21 – 85 kg per tree. Malay apple tree grows vigorously on a range of soil types from sand to heavy clay. It tolerates moderately acidic soil, reacts unfavourably to highly alkaline situations. It is an amazing tropical apple type. It is majorly of three colours – red, green and cream with many varieties of each type. In Nigeria, the commonest is the red type. The green colour is scanty while the cream colour may not be readily available now. It has a sweet-sour taste. It is highly medicinal and nutritious. This is established in the annals of scientific researches as contained in the scientific world Journal, health sciences and Food chemistry.
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The shelf life is 3 – 4 days. The apples stay between 17 – 19 days on the trees during harvest.
Malay Apple Seed
It is a single oblate or nearly round seed. It is light brown externally, green internally. 1.6 – 2.0 cm in width. Somewhat meaty in texture. It is polyembryonic in nature, that is more than two (2) seedlings could be raised from a single seed. It germinates readily in 2- 4 weeks. It has shown antibiotic activity and has some effects on blood pressure and respiration. It is medicinal in application. It is used to allay fever.Harvest
Each Malay apple must be carefully plucked from the tree and maintained in cool storage shortly thereafter. To remove from the tree, simply twist the apple’s stem.Storage
Malay apple does not store well under a freezing form of refrigeration. The shelf life is prolonged under the chilling form of refrigeration at a specific temperature.Medicinal Uses
Malayans apply a powder of the dried leaves on a cracked tongue. Preparation of the root is a remedy for itching. The root bark is useful against dysentery. The juice of the crushed leaves is applied as a lotion and is added to baths. In Brazil, various parts of the plants are used as remedies for constipation, diabetes, coughs, headache etc. Seeded fruits, seeds, bark and leaves have shown antibiotic activity and have some effects on blood pressure and respiration.Business Opportunities Around Malay Apple Farming
Sale of apples. As of 2006, Malay apple was sold for #5, regardless of the size then. Today, the small size is #50, the big size is #100, the jumbo size is #150 each. Featured Image Source: Health Benefits TimesGot a suggestion? Contact us: editor at connectnigeria dot com
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