Golden apple is native to Polynesia, and has been widely distributed to many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. This fruit is climacteric in nature and exists in two forms: the large type and the miniature or dwarf type. The plant grows best in the sub-humid and frost-free tropics, where it is found from sea level up to 700 metres. Trees need to be grown in a sunny position, very little fruit is produced when they are in the shade. Plants are not too fussy over soil, not needing very fertile conditions. However, very poor soil, or shallow land, is unsuitable. It succeeds on limestone derived soils as well as on acid sands, but the soil should be well drained.

Jew Plum is a vigorous deciduous tree growing up to 25 m in height and 45 cm in trunk diameter.

BARK: nearly smooth, light gray-brown.

LEAVES: pinnate, comprised of 9 to 25 glossy, elliptic leaflets. At the beginning of the dry, cool season, the leaves turn bright-yellow and fall.

FLOWERS: white and small in terminal panicles.

FRUITS: oval, containing a fibrous pit which is edible.

Edible: fruit, young leaves. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Spondias+dulcis

Medicine: Bark, leaves, fruit. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Spondias+dulcis

Agroforestry: the plant is said to be grown as a living fence.

An ornamental tree.

The wood can be used for canoes.