Syzygium luehmannii

Syzygium luehmannii, also known as Small Leaved Lilly Pilly, is a native plant to Australia. This small tree grows between 10-20 ft in height and can be used for bonsai. It prefers full sun to semi-shade and requires regular water, although it can tolerate moderate water. White to off-white flowers attract butterflies and hummingbirds from further distances. Grown in USDA Zone 9-11, this tree can be grown in both pot and soil in cold regions.

The fruit of the Syzygium luehmannii is edible and have a sweet-tart flavor. The fruit is full of antioxidants and can be used to make jams and preserves. As a healthy snack, the fruit can be eaten straight or used in salads or other recipes. Depending on the size, a single Syzygium luehmannii tree can produce between 10-20 pounds of fruit per year.

When growing the Syzygium luehmannii, it is important to protect it from the midday sun and provide regular water. It is also important to prune regularly, especially in the spring months, to maintain a desired shape. To enhance the fruits production, adding organic matter such as manure or compost to the soil will help the plant flower and produce fruit.

Syzygium malaccense, Eugenia malaccensis, Jambos malaccensis

Native to Malaysia, Malay Apple was an important fruit of the Polynesians, and was later distributed to the America's on Captain Bligh's voyages throughout the tropics, including many Caribbean countries such as Jamaica, Suriname, Dominican Republic, and Trinidad and Tobago. It has been also spread through much of southeast Asia and the Pacific islands, now common growing wild on the Hawaiian islands. It was brought into Hawaii by Polynesians probably 1000 to 1700 years ago. The Polynesians reached the Hawaiian islands bringing plants and animals that were important to them, and Mountain apple, as it is called in Hawaii, was one of the 'canoe plants'.

This plant grows to over 60 ft in tropics in mid-elevation rain forest areas, often as large understory tree. The evergreen leaves are opposite, soft leathery and dark green; the flowers are purplish-red and form a carpet after falling under the tree. Flowering usually occurs in early summer followed by fruit ripening 3 months later. The beautiful pear shaped fruit is about the size of an apple, deep red in color, white flesh and a waxy skin. The flesh is crunchy, often juicy, with a mild sweet flavor.

Fruit are mostly eaten fresh and chilled and make great thirst quenching snacks. The fruit can also be used to make wines. The plant has important medicinal value in many tropical countries.

Malay Apple requires tropical conditions and is too tender to grow outdoors in areas with even occasional frost. Often trees will have leaf damage at temperatures well above freezing. Trees also do not like poorly drained soils, so if planted in areas with high water tables should be planted on slightly raised mounds to give them more room for the roots during periods of high rainfall. It does not succeed as well at sea level. Other than that, it requires little care providing year-round water.

Syzygium muelleri, Eugenia muelleri, Myrtus obovata, Syzygium furcatum

Syzygium myrtifolium, Eugenia oleina, Eugenia myrtifolia, Syzygium campanulatum

The young leaves of Syzygium myrtifolium are often either yellow or orange. There is a cultivar with dark red young leaves and bright pink to maroon flowers.

They are often used as a hedging plant or ornamental tree, also sculptured into topiaries or even made into bonsai.

Syzygium oleosum

The Blue Lilly Pilly is a native to Australia and is found abundantly in northern parts of the continent. The Syzygium oleosum, more popularly known as the Blue Lilly Pilly, is a type of shrub that can grow as either a large bush or a more sizable small tree, reaching up to a maximum height of 20-40 feet. This species is fairly hardy and generally only requires a subtropical climate to grow its best. However, it is wise to provide protection from long or hard freezes. These plants enjoy profuse amounts of water, but they will still manage to grow in drier climates if they are in areas that receive a combination of light sun and shade.

The Blue Lilly Pilly produces many beautiful off-white, creamy-colored flowers that give off a pleasant, fragrant aroma. This aroma has also been found to act as a natural attractant to both butterflies and hummingbirds. In addition to its natural beauty, the Blue Lilly Pilly can produce an edible fruit. This fruit is small, dark green, and turns black when ripe. The fruit is generally enjoyed raw or cooked and can also be used to make jams, jellies, preserves, and various drinks.

The Blue Lilly Pilly has many healthy benefits. It contains many useful chemicals and nutrients, including zinc, iron, magnesium, and vitamin C. Also, it is known to be rich in anti-microbial characteristics, helping to keep the immune system functioning efficiently. In terms of how much fruit the plant can produce, it will depend on the climate, care, and nurturing. A well-kept Blue Lilly Pilly can produce up to 30 fruits per season.

Those looking to grow their own Blue Lilly Pilly will best succeed in USDA Zones 9-11. In particular, those located in colder climates may benefit from growing their plant in a pot. Seeing as the Blue Lilly Pilly is native to Australia, it may take a bit of extra care and nurturing, but with some patience, it is possible to grow these beauties successfully in a pot or a sunny spot in the yard.

Syzygium paniculatum, Eugenia paniculata

Native to temperate and tropical rainforests of Australia's east coast, The Brush Cherry is a small tree or shrub, sometimes used as a hedge. The new foliage, produced nearly year round, is bronze-red then maturing to a 1 to 3 inch glossy green leaf. The leaves are darker above, and paler below. White showy flowers are produced during Spring and Summer; they come in clusters, followed by fruit ripening 2-3 months later. Cherry sized, with crispy flesh surrounding a pea sized seed, it is pink, red and sometimes purple, particularly pretty when ripening. The fruit is thirst quenching, eaten fresh, but has no particular flavor. It can be used to make preserves.

The tree prefers moderate moisture year round, with a subtropical climate. Hardy to 25F, and stem hardy to short duration temperatures to about 20° F. Can be planted in coastal areas with protection from direct ocean winds. Compact grower, it can be successfully cultivated as a container plant. Recommended as a topiary subject.

Syzygium polyanthum , Eugenia balsamea, Eugenia nitida, Eugenia polyantha

Syzygium puberulum

An attractive addition to any garden, Syzygium puberulum is native to Australia and can be found in woodlands, wooded slopes, and along streams. A small tree of 10-20 feet tall, Syzygium puberulum reaches a larger size in tropical areas, but thrives in cooler, more temperate climates as well. Leaves are glossy and green with a faint sweet aroma. Its most striking feature is its pendulous clusters of off-white to white flowers, which are followed by oblong red fruits.

Despite the delicate appearance of this Australian native, Syzygium puberulum requires minimal effort to grow and is generally considered an easy care plant. It is an excellent choice for beginner gardeners who are looking for a simple and low maintenance plant to add to their garden. To get the best possible results, the plant should be planted in an area that receives full sun, or semi-shade. The soil should be kept slightly moist and irrigated regularly, but not overly saturated.

Gardening in colder regions can be a bit more challenging when it comes to Syzygium puberulum. It can be grown in a pot in cooler climates, as long as it's given adequate protection from the elements. Make sure the pot has enough drainage holes and the soil is kept moist, but not saturated. Place the pot in a sheltered area and cover during cold weather. During the transitioning period, avoid over-saturating the roots, as this could cause rot. With the right care, Syzygium puberulum is sure to thrive in cold conditions and bring a touch of the Australian beauty to any garden.

Syzygium pycnanthum

Syzygium samarangense, Syzygium javanicum, Eugenia javanica

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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This free-branching, medium sized tree similar to Malay Apple, is somewhat hardier. It also has large and wide glossy leaves and a waxy-looking fruit, probably hence the common name. The flowers and resulting fruit are not limited to the axils of the leaves and can appear on nearly any point on the surface of the trunk and branches. They are slightly fragrant, white to pale yellow, 2-3 inches wide, with four petals and countless stamens are very showy and are a rich source of nectar for honey bees. Flowers fall on the ground in 2-3 days, leaving behind the tiny fruits to mature and ripen in about 2 months. In favorable conditions, a healthy tree can produce abundant fruits and has two fruiting seasons annually, May-September and November to March. When mature, the tree is considered a heavy bearer and can yield a crop of up to 700 fruit. Fruit are are pear-shaped, 1.5-2 inches long, skin is smooth, waxy, come in varying colors ranging from white, pale green, green, pink, rose red and crimson. The reddest fruits are the sweetest and superior varieties of excellent quality are available. One of the most highly prized and sought after wax apples in Taiwan are "black pearls," which are purplish-red. Often seedless, fruits can be eaten out-of-hand. They are remarkably refreshing, juicy and quenching on a hot day. The liquid to flesh ratio of the wax apple is comparable to a watermelon. The texture is crisp, almost crunchy and juicy with a sweet, mildly scented flavor.

In Indian-Ocean-Island cuisine, the fruit is frequently used in salads, as well in with light sauteed dishes. The unripe fruits eaten with salt or dipped in a sweetish-spicy sauce.

Wax Jamboo tree usually requires very little attention and no pruning is needed. It needs adequate rainfall, some humidity and fertile soil for best growth, and is hardy to around freezing, possibly a few degrees below. Wax Jambu tree can be grown in a large container for many years, needing very little care. Just regular watering and occasional feed will be enough to get sufficient fruit to enjoy twice annually.