Velvet Apple

Velvet Apple, also known as Mabolo or Diospyros blancoi, is a tropical fruit tree that belongs to the family Ebenaceae. Native to the Philippines and other parts of Southeast Asia, Velvet Apple is known for its unique fruit, which has a velvety texture and a sweet, custard-like flavor. Here is a more detailed description:

• Tree: Velvet Apple is a medium-sized evergreen tree that can reach a height of 10-15 meters (33-49 feet) with a dense, rounded canopy. The tree has a straight trunk with dark brown bark that becomes rough and fissured as it matures. The leaves are simple, alternate, and leathery, with an elliptical to obovate shape, and a glossy dark green color.
• Flowers: Velvet Apple produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are greenish-yellow in color and are usually dioecious, meaning that male and female flowers are borne on separate trees. The flowers are bell-shaped with four petals and are typically pollinated by insects.
• Fruits: The fruit of Velvet Apple is the highlight of the plant. It is round to oblong in shape, with a diameter of about 5-10 cm (2-4 inches), and covered with a thick, brownish, velvety skin that is difficult to peel. The skin is often described as hairy or fuzzy in texture, hence the name “Velvet Apple.” The fruit has a tough outer shell that encases a soft, creamy pulp that is golden yellow to orange in color. The pulp is sweet and aromatic, with a flavor reminiscent of a mix between a pear and a sweet potato, and it contains several hard, inedible seeds.
• Habitat: Velvet Apple is typically grown in tropical and subtropical regions with warm climates. It prefers well-drained soils and is often found in coastal areas and lowland forests.
• Uses: Velvet Apple is primarily grown for its fruit, which is usually eaten fresh or used in desserts, jams, and preserves. The fruit is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and is considered a good source of natural antioxidants. In addition to its culinary uses, Velvet Apple has some medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine in some cultures to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, and coughs.
• Cultivation: Velvet Apple is propagated through seeds or grafting. It requires a warm, tropical climate with abundant rainfall and well-drained soils. The tree is generally low-maintenance and does not tolerate frost or waterlogging well. It can take several years for the tree to start bearing fruit, and it typically starts producing fruits after 5-7 years of growth.

In conclusion, Velvet Apple is a tropical fruit tree known for its unique fruit with a velvety texture and sweet flavor. It is typically grown in warm climates and has culinary and medicinal uses