The elephant apple tree is one stately tree that I am very fond of. Initially I wasn’t aware what this tree was and only got to know its identity as well as more information about it from a book published by NParks – Trees of our Garden City: A Guide to the Common Trees of Singapore.
Botanically known as Dillenia indica, it is a tree that is native to this part of the world. The origin of this tree’s common name is derived from the belief that elephants eat its fruits. It is a medium-sized tree that grows up to 8 m tall. If you can afford the space, grow one elephant apple tree! Let me tell you why you should do that…
The leaves of this tree are quite interesting – they are quite large and have a rib-like appearance with toothed margins. In my opinion, all these characteristics make the leaves of this tree somewhat resemble ruffled potato chips although their shapes differ quite a bit!
I took the pictures below in my university’s grounds. Several elephant apple trees are planted next to the University Hall and coincidentally, they are all fruiting and this was the first time that I witnessed this!
The yellowish green fruits are quite big and larger than those of our edible apples. In the book – Trees of our Garden City: A Guide to the Common Trees of Singapore – it was stated that the elephant apple trees are not planted near the roadside because of the sheer size of the fruits. You can imagine how a falling fruit can make a dent on the roof of the car! That probably explains why it is also not planted in our open carparks, though it can provide some form of shade.
The fruits are unique and interesting to look at. They have a cover over them (technically, it is the calyx) and because there are two of such covers on opposite sides of each fruit, it looks as if they are putting on ear muffles or wearing some form of a head-dress!
These fruits are, in fact, edible (to my surprise!) but are said to be acidic and hence sour. They are usually pickled or cooked before consumption.
The elephant apple tree makes a good specimen tree in any garden.
Don’t the ribbed appearance of the leaves make them look like the Cottage Fries brand of ruffled potato chips?
What a bumper crop of elephant apples!
The persistent calyx makes the fruit look as if it is wearing ear muffles or a hat – I leave it up to your own imagination!
This is so interesting. When you say ‘common tree of Singapore’does this mean native to Singapore? I think I will feature some of our local (native and non-native) trees with edible bits too, on our blog.
Hi Kate,
I say its common because the local authorities have planted some types of trees almost everywhere, even though some are not native to Singapore. There is a request from some people which I have heard to ask our parks dept to grow more native trees rather than bringing in trees from elsewhere.
An introduction, the Golden Penda (Xanthostemon chrysanthus) has also become a ‘common’tree here. An Australian native, this tree is considered as one of the most successful introduction into Singapore where it goes into full bloom periodically, producing a profusion of golden yellow powderpuff inflorescences that cover almost the entire crown of the tree.
Because there are so many trees being planted as part of Singapore’s aim to be a ‘City in a Garden’, I feel many people have kind of taken these planted trees for granted, with an attitude of ‘it’s just another tree.” Or are we too busy with our lives here to be bothered with them?
You should! Post up messages about your native trees on your blog. I would be interested to know about them!
Wilson
I discovered this unusual tree in a park, creekside, in Australia ‘in the middle of nowhere’.
… and take them home and endevour to find out what type of tree and in turn fruit/nut it was.
It’s sheer size – so majestic and obviously fully grown – combined with the spectacular leaves and then the ‘weird looking fruit?/nut?’I just HAD to pick up a couple of … whatever they were
It took me yonks. I took my little friend to nursery’s all over the place but kept coming up blank.
No one knew what the fruit was. Finally I photographed and emailed pics through to Sydney’s Botantical Gardens & YES! An answer!
I unravelled the multiple layers of the fruit and was told you’d have to be desperate to eat it … desperate or an elephant … but after researching this little cherub it was the multiple organic medicinal uses I was interested in. I felt like I’d discovered gold.
I planted all the seeds I had about a year ago now and 5 plants thrived & have actually grown very quickly which is contrary to what I’d read.
I live in the tropics on 16 acres and have just 2 days ago finally taken 3 of the 5 plants from their large pots and put them in the ground … although I am wondering if they may not be a little too close to our driveaway WHEN they are fully matured.
Anyway … I adore this unique tree … everything about it is BLISSFULLY and BEAUTIFULLY ODD.