Syzygium smithii

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Plant
ID 237 Syzygium smithii
Botanic Name Syzygium smithii
Common Name Lillypilly
Family Name Myrtaceae
Cultivars syn. Acmena smithii, var. Minor, 'Allyn Magic', Red Tip Form, Rheophytic Race,'Sublime', 'Minipilly'
Origin Australia, N.S.W, NT, QLD, Victoria, Zone 9-11
Growth Type Tree
Bark Type Scaly
Foliage Type Evergreen Water Use Medium
No. of Species 8
Growth Habit Broad domed Growth Rate Fast
Height 20 - 30 m (67 - 100 ft) Spread 6 m (20 ft)
Plant Overview
This large tree has an erect trunk that becomes buttress with age and dark brown scaly bark. The spreading smooth branches form a dense crown with glossy green ovate leaves and the fluffy-like white flowers appear in summer, followed by purple berries.
Leaf
Type Simple Additional Information
Shape Ovate
The young leaves are blush-pink and mature to dark glossy green and are ovate to narrow lanceolate up to 40 mm (1 5/8 in) wide with an long acuminate apex (drip tip). The upper surface is penniveined and has oil glands that secrete a strong odour.
Arrangement Opposite
Margin Entire
Colour Glossy green
Size 50 - 80 mm ( 2.0 - 3.1 in )
Flower
Perfume Odorless Additional Information
Shape Cyathiform
The cyathiform flowers are creamy white with 4 funnel-shaped calyx lobes and 4 overlapping petals that are discarded as the flower expands with prominent (fluffy-like) stamens. They are arranged in a terminal panicle at the end of the branchlets.
Inflorescence Panicle
Colour Creamy white
Size 10 - 15 mm ( 0.4 - 0.6 in )
Flowering in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Fruit
Type Berry Additional Information
Colour Purple
The profuse globular white to purple succulent berry discards the sepals and contains a single large seed. It is distributed by birds or gravity and the seeds have a short viability period and require a moist sheltered position to germinate.
Edible Yes
Bird Attractive Yes
Size 10 - 20 mm ( 0.4 - 0.8 in )
Fruiting in
(Southern Hemisphere)
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Environment & Cultivation
Natural Soil Well drained to wet, sandy to clay, silty soil, organic rich, pH 4.5-6.5
Container Large tubs, planter boxes and pots when young
Climate Warm to sub-tropical
Aspect Full sun to semi-shade, wind protection, drought and light frost tolerant
Pest & Diseases Wax scale, borers, sooty mould, pimple psyllid, brown looper, vine hopper, myrtle rust
Fertiliser Keep moist during growing period, fertilise with blood and bone untill established
Pruning Train to a single leader to form a tree, regular prune to form a hedge (cultivars)
Cultural Uses Propagation
Lillypilly is grown for is upright spreading crown and its glossy green leaves. It is planted in large gardens and parks as a lawn specimen for shade or is used in rainforest in coastal and adjoining hillside regions. Smaller cultivars available.
Sow seed when fresh in a warm humid environment and allow up to 120 days for germination.
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