Syzygium fibrosum
Apricot Satin Ash
Syzygium fibrosum
Syzygium fibrosum is a species from the seasonally dry forests of Northern Australia and into Papua New Guinea. Commonly known as Apricot Satinash in Australia, this species is known to be an understory tree reaching only around 15 feet or so. The flowers and fruits appear in small clusters on the terminal tips of new branches. The fruit is a pink/red color and is supposed to have many fruits that are developed with no seeds. The fruit is supposed to be more sour than most Lilly Pillys but is apparently great in preserves.
This species of Syzygium seems like it will be great as a midstory tree and may serve as a dwarfing rootstock for other Syzygium species that are more popular. I’m really stoked to have this one to offer and look forward to growing it out in my agroforestry system!
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Syzygium fibrosum
Common Name / Native Name: Apricot Satinash
Range: Queensland, Northern Territory of Australia, & Papua New Guinea
Found in seasonally dry tropical forests as an understory tree
Sun: Full sun/part shade
Height: ~15 feet
Width: ~10 feet
Foliage: Lanceolate leaves around 6-11cm long and 3-5 wide, bright new growth
Flower: Creamy yellow clusters of “fairy duster” type flowers common of species in Myrtaceae
Fruit: Small pink red fruits that are often seedless
Soil Type/ pH: Tolerates higher pH soils
USDA Climate Zones: Undetermined, potentially 10a
Cold Hardiness: Undetermined
Edibility: A small pink/red fruit that is purported to be sour and delicious. Often they are used for preserves or processed. Apparently the fruit is often seedless which may make it a great option for processing.
Age to maturity: Unknown
Sources:
http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Syzygium+fibrosum
https://www.jcu.edu.au/discover-nature-at-jcu/plants/plants-on-cairns-campus/syzygium-fibrosum
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:601678-1