Paperbark satinash
Syzygium papyraceum
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows up to 15-35 m tall. It has a dense crown. The bark is red and papery. The young shoots are shiny brown. The leaves are simple and fairly thick. They are 6-11 cm long and 4 cm wide. They are smooth and not hairy. They are dark green on the upper surface and duller beneath. Oil dots can be visible. The flowers occur in clusters and are mauve. The fruit are round and 3.3 cm long by 3.1 cm wide. They occur either singly or in bunches. They can be in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit are bright purple. The flesh is edible.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It grows in highland rainforest in north east Queensland in Australia. It grows between 560-1200 m altitude. They prefer loamy soil. They need plenty of moisture.
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
They can be grown from fresh seed.
Plants are slow growing but may flower when young. Fruit are ripe December to February in Australia.