It is neither an apple, nor is it made of wax. But it is called wax apple, or lienwu in Mandarin. In the summer, wax apples display with lichees, peaches, plums, watermelons, pineapples, pears, mangoes, grapes and many other fruits on stalls in Taiwan.

Roughly cone-shaped, and colored pale green, tinged with pink, the wax apple is rich in Vitamin C, and has a small proportion of protein, carbohydrate and minerals. The fruit, which has a flavor something like a true apple, is a sweet treat in the heat of summer.

Originally, the wax apple grew only in the Malay peninsula and archipelago. Since Java was the largest production area, the fruit also called the Java plum. It was introduced from Java to Taiwan in the 17th century by the Dutch. Taiwan's summer temperatures, ranging between 25 and 30 degrees centigrade, are ideal for its cultivation.

Even though the wax apple has been cultivated in Taiwan for more than 300 years, modern management and farming methods were only introduced some 10 years ago. Agricultural institutions have since been conducting research into improving strains and cultivation techniques.

Pingtung County in southern Taiwan has the largest plantations of wax apple trees. Farmers' associations in the area make loans and provide technical advice and sales service.

The associations also sponsor classes for research into wax apples, in which fruit farmers are encouraged to participate. The monthly meetings provide an opportunity for farmers to exchange their experiences in the field, while at the same time, specialists are invited to help solve problems.

To prevent trees from growing too tall, which would make harvesting difficult, and waste nutrition on unnecessary branches, farmers must prune regularly. Properly cared for, the trees blossom in the spring, and bear fruit in summer. The wax apple is said to be mature when the hole on its top is fully open.

Harvested apples are packed in boxes according to type and size, and as they bruise easily, the fruit must be wrapped in tissue, and each layer separated by newspaper. The fresh fruit are too perishable to be exported.

Wax apple trees can live for several decades. After six years, the annual harvest is 60 kilograms, rising to 180 to 240 kilograms in 10 years, and 300 to 360 kilograms in 15 to 20 years. From 20 years on, harvest gradually declines.

A hectare of land will support 150 trees, which after the first six years can earn up to US$11,000 annually. At present, the plantation area devoted to wax apples exceeds 500 hectares, yielding an annual harvest of 2,700 metric tons.

An improved species of wax apple, which is pink in color, has the highest economic value and the largest production area devoted to it. The trees bear fruit twice to three times a year.

The horticulture research center at Fengshan in Kaohsiung County has successfully marketed canned wax apples in Taiwan, and is currently planning the first exports.

[Picture Caption]

1. A farm worker shows her delight at the abundant harvest of wax apples. 2. A new type of wax apple is green in color. 3. An improved species of apple, which is pink in color, has the highest economic value and the largest production area devoted to it.

1. Harvested apples are packed in baskets according to type and size. 2. Three wax apples may weigh more than 1 lb. 3. Farmers plucking mature wax apples. 4. Fruit and flowers of wax apple trees.

A new type of wax apple is green in color.

An improved species of apple, which is pink in color, has the highest economic value and the largest production area devoted to it.

Harvested apples are packed in baskets according to type and size.

Three wax apples may weigh more than 1 lb.

Farmers plucking mature wax apples.

Fruit and flowers of wax apple trees.