Pitch apple, also known as monkey fruit, is a tropical fruit that grows on the evergreen shrub, Clusia rosea. The word "pitch" comes from the resinous substance that oozes from the tree's bark and leaves, which has traditionally been used as a sealant for boats and other structures. The word "apple" refers to the fruit's shape and texture, which resembles that of an apple. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /pɪtʃ/ /ˈæpəl/ to indicate the stress on the first syllable of "pitch" and the second syllable of "apple."
Pitch apple is a noun that refers to a tropical fruit-bearing tree known scientifically as Clusia rosea, found primarily in the Caribbean and South American regions. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family and is also commonly referred to as the autograph tree, copey, Scotch attorney, or balsam apple.
The pitch apple tree typically grows up to 40 feet in height, exhibiting thick and dense foliage. It is characterized by glossy, elliptical, and leathery leaves with prominent venation. The tree bears bell-shaped, fragrant flowers that are whitish-yellow in color.
The term "pitch apple" can also denote the fruit produced by this tree. These fruits are oval-shaped with a tough rind, resembling a small apple. The skin of the fruit is reddish-orange when ripe and has a sticky or gummy texture, hence the name "pitch apple." The fruit contains a white, spongy pulp embedded with numerous seeds.
The pitch apple tree has various uses. Its fruits are occasionally consumed, but they are more commonly used for medicinal purposes, particularly in traditional herbal medicine. The sticky resin or pitch found within the fruit is utilized to make torches, waterproof sealants, varnishes, and even glue. This resinous substance is also employed in the manufacturing of traditional musical instruments such as drums.
In summary, pitch apple refers to a tropical tree and its fruits, known for their sticky texture and various applications in traditional medicine and material production.
The term "pitch apple" typically refers to the fruit of the plant known as Clusia rosea or Clusia grandiflora. The word "pitch" in "pitch apple" is derived from its sticky, gummy, and resinous sap, which is similar to pitch or tar. The word "apple" is used because the fruit of the Clusia plant somewhat resembles an apple in shape and size, although it is not related to the true apple fruit. The term "pitch apple" is believed to have originated in the Caribbean, where Clusia plants are native and commonly found.