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Syzygium malaccense -- 'Ohi'a 'ai, or Mountain apple
'Ohi'a 'ai is an attractive medium-sized tree with glossy dark green leaves pointed at the tip. It has become naturalized in wet forests and frequently can be seen in hikes at upper elevations. Hawaiians used the wood and the inner bark of root and stem made a brown dye. The fruits produce a red dye. Bark chewed was a treatment for sore throat.
Flowers appear in the spring,like spectacular hot pink, fluffy pompoms up and down the branches of the tree.
The fruit is apple-shaped and, like apples, bright red outside with a white flesh. It is slightly sweet and juicy, without strong flavor.
Below is a an uncommon white flowered variety of 'ohi'ai which also have white fruits.
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