Family: Myrtaceae
Common Name: Lilly Pilly

These evergreen shrubs and trees are found in tropical and subtropical rainforests of Australia and Southeast Asia. They include the Australian lilly pilly and the clove tree from the Moluccas, as well as several species formerly included in the genus Eugenia. Grown for their lovely foliage (which is often pink or red when young), flowers and berries, they make attractive shade trees, ornamentals and specimens, and can be trimmed into a dense hedge. Outside subtropical and tropical climates, syzygiums can be grown in an intermediate to warm conservatory or greenhouse.

Species

S. aronaticum, clove tree, has elliptical leaves, dotted with glands and clusters of yellow flowers, borne at branch ends. This species is the source of the well-known spice, which is the sun-dried flower bud.

S. coolminianum (Synonym: S. oleosum), blue lilly piny, native of eastern Australia, is a shrub or small tree, to 5-6 m (16-20 ft) high, with pale hark and a pendulous growth habit. The crushed leaves are highly aromatic and the cream flowers, borne in open sprays, are followed by blueish violet, round berries.

S. floribundum, another Australian species, grows to 10-20 m (33-65 ft), with a weeping habit. The flowers are yellow and the berries, greenish white.

S. francisii is a large, spreading Australian native, growing to heights of 40 m (130 ft), with small sprays of flowers and round, purple fruits.

S. jambos, rose apple, a tree from the Malay Archipelago, a tree 10-12 m (33-40 ft) high, has glossy, dark green leaves and large, rounded clusters of greenish white flowers, followed by fragrant, yellow, edible fruit which taste of rosewater.

S. luehmannii, from eastern Australia, grows to 30 m (100 ft) in the wild, but only 8-10 m (26-33 ft) in cultivation. It has an upright habit and produces small clusters of creamy white flowers, followed by red, pear-shaped fruit.

S. paniculatum, Australian rose or brush cherry, to 10-15 m (33-50 ft) high, has dense clusters of creamy white flowers and edible, rose-purple berries.

S. pycnanthum, wild rose apple, from the Malay Archipelago, is a shrub or small tree, to 4 m (13 ft), with glossy leaves, showy clusters of pink flowers, and dark, reddish purple berries.

S. wilsonii is shrub-like, to 2 m (6 ft). New growth is salmon pink and the powder puff flowers are magenta.

Cultivation

Szygiums prefer a rich, moist, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, and full sun, and tolerate only light frosts. In the greenhouse or conservatory, grow in pots of soil-based potting compost. Ensure really good light, but shade from strong, direct sun.

Syzygiums do not like too much water: apply water in moderation during growth, and reduce further in winter. Propagate from seed in spring germinated at 26°C (79°), from semi-ripe cuttings in summer, in a heated propagating case, or by layering in spring.

Climate

Subtropical to tropical.