

Lillipillies
Botanical name: Syzygium
Lillipillies
Botanical name: Syzygium


Description

Lillipillies are a large genus of well over one thousand trees or shrubs that have dark, glossy, aromatic foliage. Some species have become popular garden plants that are grown for their attractive evergreen foliage. Other species such as the roseapple are edible and cultivated for their fruit or the clove Syzygium aromaticum which is an important spice crop. Lillipillies are usually evergreens native to subtropical and tropical areas of the Old World.


Species of Lillipillies


Lilly pilly
Lilly pilly (Syzygium smithii) is a summer-flowering, winter-fruiting evergreen tree native to Australia. Lilly pilly fruits in winter. This species is called the monkey apple in New Zealand.

Red lip
The brilliant growth habit and rapid growth rate of the red lip (Syzygium myrtifolium) make it a favorite for use in hedges and as a foliage screen. Their puffy yet lace-like flowers are a favorite snacking spot for various pollinators like bees and butterflies. When the leaves are crushed they produce a delightful cinnamon fragrance!

Java apple
Java apple is an evergreen tree that produces edible red fruits. The fruits are alternately known as 'wax apples' for their waxy appearance and turn bright red once they ripen. In Malaya, they are used to make sauces and are stewed with regular apples.

Sea apple
Sea apple is a tree primarily found in Southeast Asia. It produces small fruits that monkeys and birds eagerly snatch up, thus helping to disburse the seeds. The trees are regularly used as firebreaks because they do not burn easily. The wood is medium-hard and considered good lumber.

Spicate eugenia
Spicate eugenia are a large genus of well over one thousand trees or shrubs that have dark, glossy, aromatic foliage. Some species have become popular garden plants that are grown for their attractive evergreen foliage. Other species such as the roseapple are edible and cultivated for their fruit or the clove Syzygium aromaticum which is an important spice crop. Spicate eugenia are usually evergreens native to subtropical and tropical areas of the Old World.

Brush cherry
Brush cherry (Syzygium paniculatum) is a plant species native to New South Wales, Australia. Brush cherry produces edible fruits that are similar to red grapes. This species is also referred to as native myrtle. The edible fruits of this species are known for their sour apple flavor, and are often made into jams.

Malay apple
The malay apple (Syzygium malaccense) is a common sight as a shorter-growing tree in tropical rainforests. Although its lumber is prone to warping, it is quite hard and used for handicrafts, beams, and occasionally railroad ties. The bark of the malay apple tree has a rich color and is often used to create brown dye.

Fish scale bush
The fish scale bush (*Syzygium buxifolium*) is a small tree native to the central Chinese transition zones between subtropical and temperate environments. They can withstand winter temperatures relatively well, but should not be kept in freezing temperatures. Fish scale bush is commonly used in bonsai arrangements because the branches, though brittle, will readily grow in attractive shapes.

Brush cherry
Brush cherry (Syzygium australe) is an evergreen shrub whose lovely white flower spikes are pollinated by bees and other insects. It has ornamental value for its flowers and its red/purple berries. Due to its dense growth habit, it is often grown as a hedge. Its light and pliable wood is used in boat manufacture and was a traditional material used for making boomerangs.

Hance's syzygium
Hance's syzygium (Syzygium hancei) is a shrub that’s a member of the myrtle family, which has over 1,100 species in it. This plant, which is indigenous to China, grows up to 20 m tall. It produces leaves that feel leathery to the touch.

Malabar plum
Syzygium jambos has been spread in various parts of the world where it has been introduced as a fruit and ornamental tree. Also known as malabar plum, it produces an edible fruit that's shaped like some kinds of guava. The appearance is so similar to guava that the fruit is often mistaken for guava on first sight. There are many varieties of Syzygium jambos across the globe.

Java plum
Java plum (Syzygium cumini) is a plant species native to Asia and Australia. Java plum grows in moist, riverine habitats. This species is valued for its fruit and timber. Its fruit is consumed by animals including jackals and fruit bats. The fruits, called Jambolan fruits, are edible, have a sweet and acidic flavor, and can be made into sauces and jams.

Watery rose apple
Watery rose apple (Syzygium aqueum) is a tropical tree grown for its edible pear-shaped fruit. The leaves are also edible and are often used to wrap other foods. The fruit's watery texture, explains the plant's common name. The tree's hard wood is used for the manufacture of tools.

Water pear
Water pear are a large genus of well over one thousand trees or shrubs that have dark, glossy, aromatic foliage. Some species have become popular garden plants that are grown for their attractive evergreen foliage. Other species such as the roseapple are edible and cultivated for their fruit or the clove Syzygium aromaticum which is an important spice crop. Water pear are usually evergreens native to subtropical and tropical areas of the Old World.




Scientific Classification
