Family: Myrtaceae
Author: (F.Muell.) B.Hyland
Bibliography: Austral. J. Bot., Suppl. Ser. 9: 107 (1983)
Year: 1983
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Syzygium
Vegetable: False
Observations: E. Australia
Description
The Blue Lilly Pilly, scientifically known as Syzygium oleosum, is a distinguished member of the Myrtaceae family and is indigenous to Eastern Australia. Its botanical characterization and nomenclature can be referenced from the Austral. J. Bot., Suppl. Ser. 9: 107 (1983), attributed to (F.Muell.) B.Hyland.
This evergreen tree is celebrated for its striking ornamental appeal and edible berries. The glossy, blue to purplish fruits are not just visually appealing but are also known for their slightly tart yet sweet taste, often used in jams, jellies, and desserts.
Syzygium oleosum thrives in a variety of habitats along the East Australian coast, flourishing in both rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests. The tree demonstrates a resilient nature, adapting well to different soil types, though it prefers well-drained, fertile soils and a sunny to partially shaded environment.
The tree’s foliage is another highlight, featuring lush, glossy leaves that offer a constant verdant display. These leaves are lance-shaped with a smooth texture, contrasting beautifully with the colorful fruit. The flowers are small, white, and clustered, blooming primarily in the summer months and serving as a source of nectar for various pollinators, including birds and bees.
Often utilized in landscaping and urban planting due to its dense canopy and aesthetic appeal, the Blue Lilly Pilly makes an excellent choice for hedges, privacy screens, and as a standalone ornamental tree. Additionally, its robust nature and low maintenance requirements further enhance its popularity among gardeners and landscapers.
In essence, the Blue Lilly Pilly stands as a remarkable example of Australia’s diverse flora, offering both practical and aesthetic benefits while contributing to the rich tapestry of native plant life in the region.
Common Names
Eng: coastal-cherry, oily satin-ash, scented satin-ash
En: Blue Lilly Pilly, Blue Cherry, Blue Lillipilli, Coastal Cherry, Oily Satinash, Scented Satinash, Watergum, Coastal-cherry, Oily satin-ash, Scented satin-ash
: Blue lilly pilly
Synonyms
- Eugenia oleosa var. cyanocarpa (F.Muell.)
- Eugenia coolminiana (C.Moore)
- Syzygium coolminianum ((C.Moore) L.A.S.Johnson)
- Eugenia cyanocarpa ((F.Muell.) Maiden & Betche)
- Eugenia oleosa (F.Muell.)
Distribution
- New South Wales (native)
- Queensland (native)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Fruit
Taken May 12, 2021 by shantel zrinski (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2021 by janev10 Jan (cc-by-sa)
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Lawrence echø (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Apr 10, 2022 by Lawrence echø (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Mar 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Leaf
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 7, 2020 by Baobab Obesum (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 6, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3182729)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:913387-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Syzygium oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland)