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Syzygium luehmannii

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Syzygium luehmannii (F.Muell.) L.A.S.Johnson

Family Name: Myrtaceae
Synonyms: Syzygium leuhmannii (common misspelling)
Common Name: Small-Leaved Lilly Pilly, Riberry, Cherry Satinash

Name

Family Name
Genus Epithet
Species Epithet
Name Authority
Name Status (botanical)
Synonyms
Common Names
Comments

Classifications and Characteristics

Plant Division Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon)
Plant Growth Form Tree (Medium (16m-30m), Small (6m-15m))
Lifespan (in Singapore) Perennial
Mode of Nutrition Autotrophic
Maximum Height 10 m to 30 m

Biogeography

Native Distribution New Guinea, Australia
Native Habitat Terrestrial (Riverine)
Preferred Climate Zone Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal

Description and Ethnobotany

Others - Plant Morphology Growth Form: Medium-sized evergreen tree with a dense, narrow crown and buttress roots. Although forest trees grow up to 30 m tall, cultivated plants typically reach a height of 5 - 10 m. Habitat: Occurs in subtropical rainforests. Also found near streams and rivers in scrubland. Trunk: Smooth branches are greyish to light brown. Foliage: Opposite, dark green leaves are elliptic to lanceolate with entire leaf margin (2 - 5 cm long). Young foliage is bright pink. Flowers: Cream-coloured to white flowers have 4 - 5 petals. Fruits: Bright pink to red, fleshy berries are approximately round to ellipsoid (1 - 1.5 cm long, 0.9 - 1.2 cm wide). Landscaping: This species produces attractive pinkish fruits and young leaves. It is often planted in home gardens and parks as a low hedge or topiary. Although it is a popular roadside tree in southeast Queensland (Australia), the abundant fruit production could cause a litter problem. It is also suitable for planting in large containers. This species is usually not attacked by psyllids which can cause lumps known as galls to form on leaves. Thus, it is a good substitute for Syzygium australe and its cultivars which are susceptible to gall-forming psyllids. Cultivation: This species grows best in fertile, well-draining soil that is kept moist. Plants may droop when grown in compacted or waterlogged soils. The crown is naturally narrow, but can be pruned to the desired shape. Propagation: Propagate by seed or stem cuttings. Etymology: The genus name "Syzygium" is derived from the Greek word "suzugos" which means joined. Syzygium used to be the name of a Jamaican plant species with paired leaves and branches.
Ethnobotanical Uses Edible Plant Parts : Edible Fruits
Food (Fruit or Vegetable)
Others: Food: Edible fruits have a clove- and cinnamon-like taste. They are added to ice cream, cakes, pies, jams and meat-based sauces.

Landscaping Features

Desirable Plant Features Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Fruits
Landscape Uses Swimming Poolside, Hedge / Screening, Topiary, Container Planting
Thematic Landscaping Economic Garden

Plant Care and Propagation

Light Preference Full Sun
Water Preference Moderate Water
Plant Growth Rate Moderate
Rootzone Tolerance Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils
Propagation Method Seed, Stem Cutting

Foliar

Foliage Retention Evergreen
Mature Foliage Colour(s) Green
Mature Foliage Texture(s) Smooth, Glossy / Shiny
Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) Pink
Foliar Type Simple / Unifoliate
Foliar Arrangement Along Stem Opposite
Foliar Shape(s) Non-Palm Foliage (Lanceolate, Elliptical)
Foliar Venation Pinnate / Net
Foliar Margin Entire
Foliar Apex - Tip Acute
Foliar Base Acute
Typical Foliar Area Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 )

Non - Foliar and Storage

Trunk Type (Non Palm) Woody
Root Type Underground (Tap Root)

Floral (Angiosperm)

Flower & Plant Sexuality Bisexual Flowers
Flower Colour(s) Cream / Off-White, White
Flowering Habit Polycarpic

Fruit, Seed and Spore

Mature Fruit Colour(s) Pink, Red
Fruit Classification Simple Fruit
Fruit Type Fleshy Fruit , Berry

Image Repository

Images

Others

Master ID 30558
Species ID 4867
Flora Disclaimer The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes.
Species record last updated on: 29 August 2024.
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