[4] Syzygium jambos is a large shrub or small-to-medium-sized tree, typically 3 to 15 metres (10 to 49 feet) high, with a tendency to low branching.

Its leaves and twigs are glabrous and the bark, though dark brown, is fairly smooth too, with little relief or texture.

The leaves are lanceolate, 2 to 4 centimetres (3⁄4 to 1+5⁄8 inches) broad, 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in) long, pointed, base cuneate with hardly any petiole, lively red when growing, but dark, glossy green on attaining full size.

The ripe fruit, however, has a strong, pleasant floral bouquet, hence such common names as "Rose apple"[6] and "pomarrosa".

Syzygium jambos has several common names, reflecting the large number of regions in which it occurs as a garden or fruit tree or as an invader.

The names include ಪನ್ನೇರಳೆ , Guljamun , madhura nelli, Malabar Plum, Panineer Champakka, Mountain Apple (champoo), chom pu or chom-phu.

The flesh is crisp and watery, and the taste is characteristic, which leads to some fanciful descriptions, such as: "like a cross between nashi and bell pepper, with a very mild rose scent and a slightly bitter aftertaste."

In South-East Asian countries, rose apple fruit is frequently served with spiced sugar.