Brush Cherry

Syzygium australe

$24.00

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Also known as Lilly-Pilly, this evergreen rainforest tree or shrub is native to eastern Australia, and naturalised in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Plants grow up to 10 metres tall in the wild but often much shorter in cultivation, The 10cm long leaves are gloriously glossy, with a short pointed tip. The new growth is reddish-pink and very attractive for much of the year.

In summer creamy-white flowers are produced abundantly in clusters creating a “fluffy” flowering effect. These are followed by elongated pinky-red edible berry fruits range from 1.5 to 2.5 cm long. The flavour is described variously as ‘pleasantly sour’ and ‘refreshing’.

Photo credit: Syzygium australe | Australian Plants Society (austplants.com.au)

Cultivation

Brush Cherries prefer rich, well drained soils with regular moisture, though some sources describe them as quite drought tolerant once established. They enjoy full sun to part shade. They are reported to survive in USDA hardiness zones 7 – 12, so should suit most of Aotearoa/New Zealand provided there is adequate moisture, and they will certainly need protection when they are young, but will tolerate light frosts once mature. They can be kept pruned, in fact they have a very dense habit of growth and respond very well to trimming, often being used as a hedge in Australian gardens. They can indeed become leggy if not adequately trimmed, but can equally be left to grow as a tree, creating a real rainforest vibe.

Uses

The leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a pleasant-tasting herbal tea. The fruit can eaten fresh or cooked, and is often used to make jams and jellies, but can also be used for wine, sauces, sorbet, cakes etc and in savoury dishes too. The berries are best when quite ripe – purplish-red in colour – but they are also very attractive to birds….you know how the rest of that story goes!

The reddish or yellowish wood of the tree is light and elastic and seasons well. It is used for making oars, boats, furniture, flooring and was traditionally used for making boomerangs and shields.

Medicinal Uses

The leaves have been used in traditional medicines as a remedy for colds, fever, and other ailments. They are also reported to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and relieve stomach aches. Topically they can be used as a treatment for skin conditions such as rashes and eczema.

History / Folklore / Further Info

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.

Certified Organic Plant