Velvet Apple, Mabolo

Frost Tolerance: Frost sensitive in Phoenix, leaves and small branches killed at 28° F ( -2° C)

Heat Tolerance: Light shade in Phoenix

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Philippines

Growth Habits: Tree, up to 35 feet (10 m)

The Velvet Apple, native to the Philippines, is a medium-sized to large evergreen tree and makes a handsome ornamental. The oblong-acute leaves are 4 to 10 inches long (10 to 25 cm), shiny green on the upper surface, and orange pubescent underneath.

Blooming Habits:
The white waxy flowers have 4 petals and are 0.5 inches (1 cm) in diameter when fully open. The fruits are about 3 inches in diameter with a velvety dull-red orange skin. Most fruits develop without seeds and are flattened-globose in shape. Those that develop seeds, however are elongated and very similar in shape to the apple. The soft mealy flesh is whitish and aromatic. Some people find the odor unpleasant, similar to that of strong cheese, but the pulp has pleasant tase. The main crop of the velvet apple is produced in late summer, but a few fruit can be found on the tree most of the year. The fruit is usually eaten fresh, complete with skin, after the hairy covering is rubbed off. Good varieties are popular as a dessert fruit and for the preparation of various drinks.

Propagation:
The velvet apple usually is propagated by seeds but also can be marcotted. Most seedling trees produce inferior fruit.