Purple Cherry, Black water gum
Syzygium crebinerve

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

It is a large tree. They grow to 35-40 m tall. They have buttresses. The tree has a rounded crown. New growth is bright red. Leaves are oval and taper to the base and the tip. Leaves are dark green on the top surface and paler underneath. The veins are parallel. Large oil dots can be seen around the edge of the leaf. The leaves hang downwards. Flowers are white. Fruit are dark red or purple. Seed are 1 cm long.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow in the more fertile subtropical rainforest.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit can be eaten.

The fruit are floury and are not tasty.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Seed only germinate slowly. They can take 12 months to germinate. Fruit and seeds are easily attacked by insects, so healthy seed need to be chosen. Seeds need to be sown fresh. Plants can also be grown from cuttings.

Fruiting only occurs well every second or third year.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Eugenia crebinervis C. T. White;