Spicate eugenia tree
Syzygium zeylanicum

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 7-12 m tall. The leaves are narrowly oval. They are 5-11 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. They are leathery. The flowers are in groups near the ends of branches. The petals are pale yellow. The fruit are round and white. They are 5-6 mm wide. There is one seed.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in clearings and especially close to the coast.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Cambodia, China, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, SE Asia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam

How it is used for food

The young leaves are eaten. The fruit are eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seeds.

In southern China plants flower in April to June and fruit in November.

Its other names

Local names

Beti-beti, Gelam paya, Gelam tikus laut, Kelat merah, Kelat nasi-nasi, Phak samek, Poochappazham, Smach daom, Smarch, Thabye-bauk, Thabye-ni

Synonyms

Acmena parviflora DC.; Acmena zeylanica (L.) Thwaites; Calyptranthes malabarica Dennst.; Eugenia spicata Lam.; Eugenia varians Miquel; Eugenia zeylanica (L.) Wight.; Myrtus zeylanica L.; Syzygium myrtifolium Miquel; and several others