Cassowary Satinash
Syzygium graveolens

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A tree that grows up to 10-20 (-35) m tall. It spreads 3-7 m across. It has flaky bark. The leaves are 10-30 cm long by 6-9 cm wide. They can be oblong and dark green. They are leathery and glossy on top but dull beneath. New leaves are bright pink and hang limply. The flowers are small but occur in a much branched flower stalk which can be 10 cm long. They develop in angles of the upper leaves. The flowers are white. The berry is 4-6 cm across and pear shaped. It is red. They hang either singly or in bunches near the ends of branches. There is a single seed up to 4 cm across.

There are 15 Acmena species. They occur in tropical Asia and Australia.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It occurs in lowland rainforests in Northeast Queensland, Australia. It grows from sea level to 520 m altitude. It needs a well-drained soil. It responds to watering during the dry season. It needs protection from wind. It cannot stand frosts.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It is grown from fresh seed. It tends to be too large for a home garden.

The fruit mature April to September.

Its other names

Local names

Cassowary Apple, Large Fruited satinash, Red watergum

Synonyms

Acmena graveolens (F. M. Bailey) L. S. Sm.; Acmena macrocarpa C. T. White; Cryptocarya graveolens F. M. Bailey;