Smooth barked rose apple
Syzygium hodgkinsoniae

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A bushy tree. It grows up to 3-8 m tall. It can spread 3-4 m across. It often has several stems. The leaves are thin and elongated. They are 17 cm long by 6 cm wide. They are dark shiny green on the top surface and paler underneath. The flowers are large and cream coloured. The flowers have a strong smell. The flowers occur in small clusters at the ends of branches. The fruit is bright red and round. It is 4.5 cm across. The fruit hang from the ends of the branches.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in warm temperate regions but can grow in the tropics and subtropics. It needs well-drained soil. It occurs in New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. Young plants need shade and even large trees do better in partly shaded places. They need plenty of water. They can stand light frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from fresh seed.

Flowering occurs from February to May and fruit are ripe from October to November.

Its other names

Local names

Fragrant apple, Red Lilly Pilly

Synonyms

Eugenia fitzgeraldii F. M. Bailey; Eugenia hodgkinsoniae F. Muell.;