Fibrous satinash
Syzygium fibrosum

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A tree that grows about 5-10-15 m tall. It has a rounded canopy of leaves. The new leaf growth is bright purplish red. (This is more so when plants are in sunny positions.) The branches usually hang downwards. The bark is smooth and mottled brown-grey. The leaves are sword shaped and thick and leathery. They are 6-15 cm long by 4-5 cm wide. They are dark green and shiny on the upper surface and paler underneath. The tip is pointed. The flowers occur in clusters on the ends of branches. The flowers are dull orange to brown. They have many stamens which can be 2.5 cm long giving the flower a fluffy appearance. The fruit are round and bright red when ripe. They are fleshy and 2 cm across. The crown at the end is prominent. The fruit have one seed inside. Fruit can often be seedless. The fruit is edible.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. Trees occur in northeast Queensland in Australia and in Papua New Guinea. It is a rainforest species and also occurs in monsoon vine forest. It often grows near stream banks and in shady positions. They need well drained soils. They benefit from organic matter in the soil. It grows up to 1,400 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Singapore

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten raw. They can also be used for jam.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. They can be grown from cuttings but the cuttings are slow to strike.

Trees flower from April to December and the fruit are ripe July to January.

Its other names

Local names

Apricot satinash, Bamaga fibrous satinash, Small red apple, Tiwulama

Synonyms

Eugenia fibrosa F. M. Bailey;