Description
Syzygium australe
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, and 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.
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. The leaves can be steeped in hot water to make a pleasant-tasting herbal tea. 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.
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’. 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.
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.
Certified organic plant in 11cm pot. Approx 100cm high. This plant is treated as a tree for freight purposes due to the height.
Photo credit: Syzygium australe | Australian Plants Society (austplants.com.au)
