Syzygium leuhmannii
Riberry
Syzygium leuhmannii
Syzygium leuhmannii is a rainforest species that is native to the eastern coast of Australia in NSW up to Cairns. This species tends to get very large and lends itself to being a tropical focal point plant in the landscape. The plant has beautiful flushes of deep red to pink foliage that turns to a glabrous green. The flowers are found in large bunches and instead of being white like many other Syzygium spp., it has beautiful bright pink flowers. This tree has a very upright form and grows rather quickly once established. It makes a great focal point in the landscape, can be hedged to size and shape very easily and it also makes a fantastic street tree. Another important feature about this tree is that it is resistant to the Psyllids that caused Syzygium spp. To go out of favor as a landscaping plant in California.
The fruits are reported to have a distinct “clove” like taste which is distinct from other of the small fruited Syzygium spp. In Australia. This apparently lends itself to being a very delicious fruit processed into preserves and used in baking.
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Syzygium leuhmanii
Common Name / Native Name: Riberry, Small Leaved Lilly Pilly
Range: New Guinea, New South Wales, Queensland
Sun: Full sun/part shade
Height: 30+ feet
Width: 10+ feet
Foliage: Dark green ovate leaves
Flower: Large flowers in clusters resulting in heavy pollination
Fruit: Small bright red fruits in large clusters
Soil Type/ pH: Tolerates higher pH soils
USDA Climate Zones: 9b+ likely
Cold Hardiness: A cold hardy species that has not shown damage at 32*F
Edibility: A distinct flavor amongst other commonly eaten Syzygium spp. It has a clove like taste that makes great value added products such as jams, sauces, marmelades, ice creams and others. The pigmentation of the fruit is also easily transferred to what it is being cooked in.
Age to maturity: Unknown
Sources:
https://www.milkwood.net/2016/02/08/making-lilli-pilli-gin-and-muffins-and-cordial-and-chutney/
http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:601892-1
https://resources.austplants.com.au/plant/syzygium-luehmannii/