Native & adapted

June plum

Spondias dulcis

Also known as Ambarella · Golden apple · Otaheite apple · Kedondong

A tropical tree with crunchy, tart-sweet green fruit. The dwarf form fruits young and stays small enough for a large container.

EdibleFruitingContainer friendlyFrost tender

Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size6–10 ft tall for the dwarf form; standard trees 20–30 ft

Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing8 ft apart for dwarf plants

FrostDamaged at 32°F.

Special categoriesEDIBLE

Hardiness guidanceUSDA 10–11; damaged near 32°F

Winter chillNone

Typical harvestMostly fall into winter.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Phoenix soil is alkaline, so work in soil sulfur and organic matter and use chelated iron if new leaves turn yellow between the veins.

Required microclimatePlacement is part of the growing system.

Sheltered, frost-protected spot or a large container.

Right plant, right place

Will June plum grow at your Arizona property?

Choose the dwarf form for Phoenix; it often fruits in its first or second year.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate and steady in the growing season.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Eaten green and crunchy with salt and chili, ripe and yellow, or made into juice and chutney.

Planting & stewardship

How to help June plum thrive

1
Shade from afternoon sun in summer.
2
Cover on every frost night.
3
Feed lightly during the warm season.
4
Prune lightly to shape.

Read the horticultural reference ↗