Syzygium paniculatum
Lilly Pilly
Syzygium paniculatum
Syzygium paniculatum is a member of the Myrtaceae that can be commonly found throughout Bay Area and Southern California. It is native to NSW Australia and can be found reaching into the heights of the tropical and subtropical rainforests there. It has a bright spray of foliage with each new push (multiple times a year) and big clusters of white flowers that follow. The fruits are highly variable, although, all my selections are based on the largest, most pigmented, or best flavored fruits. These trees fruit prolifically and grow voraciously. If you are looking for a windbreak, shade, privacy, or some funky fruits to play with the Lilly Pilly is a great choice.
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Syzygium paniculatum
Common Name / Native Name: Lilly Pilly
Range: Eastern Australia
Sun: Full sun/ Part shade
Height: 40+ feet
Width:8-12 feet
Foliage: Deep green lanceolate leaves that flush with bright red growth, a major show in spring
Flower: A white flower in umbels, forming big clusters of bright white.
Fruit: A medium sized fruit that is neon purple throughout.
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidity but thrives in alkaline soils
USDA Climate Zones: 9a/9b and up
Cold Hardiness: Survives frosts, one of the hardier Syzygium spp.
Edibility: The fruit is commonly eaten out of hand in the wild but can also be processed into preserves or used as a coloring for drinks or other food items. A favorite way I’ve found to use it is making a Lilly Pilly Lemonade. Cooking down the fruit with sugar is said to yield a delicious and dark syrup.
Age to maturity: 4-8 years