| Syzygium australe | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Syzygium |
| Species: | S. australe |
| Binomial name | |
| Syzygium australe | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Syzygium australe, with manycommon names that includebrush cherry,[1]scrub cherry,[1]creek lilly-pilly,[1]creek satinash,[1] andwatergum,[1] is arainforest tree native to easternAustralia. It can attain a height of up to 35 m with a trunk diameter of 60 cm. In cultivation, this species is usually a small to medium-sized tree with a maximum height of only 18m.[3]
Theleaves are opposite, simple, lanceolate from 4–8 cm long.Flowers are white and in clusters. The pink, elongated, ediblefruits range from a size of 1.5 to 2.3 centimeters long, andripen mainly insummer andautumn. The fruit surrounds a small, circularseed. The flavour of the fruit is described as having a refreshing taste, and have a small hint of sourness to them.[4][5]
This species is commonly confused withmagenta cherry and theblue lilly pilly. However, the brush cherry has a paler trunk.
The species occurs in coastal regions in Queensland and New South Wales, northwards fromBatemans Bay.[6]
Syzygium australe usually takes about 6 weeks togerminate depending on the temperature and the soil moisture. Ideal temperatures for Brush cherry germination is 18-26 degrees Celsius (65-80 F). The soil needs to be moist, but notwaterlogged as this can rot the seed. For successful germination, remove all the flesh from the seed. Plant the seeds about half an inch deep in soil. If planting in a pot, make sure it has good drainage.[7]
Brush cherry is commonly cultivated in gardens inEastern Australia, mostly as shorter, shrub-like cultivars such as "Aussie Boomer", "Aussie Compact", "Birdsville", "Bush Christmas", "Minipilly" and "Tiny Trev".[3] These are especially popular as hedges.
The pleasantly sour fruit are also eaten fresh or cooked. The fruit can be used to makejams andjellies.
This species has been adopted byCoffs Harbour City Council as the City'sfloral emblem.[3]
Brush cherry is used as a subject forbonsai.[3]
Media related toSyzygium australe at Wikimedia Commons