Australian brush-cherry (Syzygium australe, Austral. J. Bot., Suppl. Ser. 9: 55 (1983))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: (J.C.Wendl. ex Link) B.Hyland

Bibliography: Austral. J. Bot., Suppl. Ser. 9: 55 (1983)

Year: 1983

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Syzygium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Australia

Description

Australian brush-cherry, scientifically known as Syzygium australe, is a notable member of the Myrtaceae family. This evergreen tree or shrub is native to eastern Australia, where it thrives naturally. It is characterized by its dense foliage, glossy, dark green leaves, and an overall attractive appearance that makes it a popular choice for hedges, screens, and ornamental purposes.

Flowering primarily in the warmer months, the Australian brush-cherry produces an abundance of small, white, fluffy flowers that are highly appealing to bees and other pollinators. These flowers give rise to bright red, berry-like fruits, which are not only visually striking but also edible, offering a crisp texture and a tart flavor that can be used in jellies, sauces, or simply enjoyed fresh.

Syzygium australe is highly resilient and adaptable, making it suitable for a range of garden settings. It can tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils rich in organic matter. Additionally, it is relatively resistant to pests and diseases, further enhancing its desirability as a low-maintenance yet striking addition to gardens.

In landscaping, the Australian brush-cherry can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size, forming a dense hedge or privacy screen. Its adaptability to pruning also makes it an excellent candidate for topiary work. Whether left to grow naturally to its full height or kept manicured, this species provides year-round visual interest.

Reflecting its origins in the diverse flora of eastern Australia, Syzygium australe is an excellent specimen of botanical resilience and aesthetic appeal. Its cultivation and study underscore the rich horticultural heritage and ecological diversity of the Australian landscape, as documented in significant botanical references such as the Austr. J. Bot., Suppl. Ser. 9: 55 (1983) by the noted botanist B.Hyland, building on the earlier work by J.C.Wendl. ex Link.

Common Names

Eng: australian brush-cherry, australian water-pear, brush-cherry, creek lilly-pilly, creek satin-ash, creek-cherry, scrub-cherry
Afr: australiese waterpear
En: Australian brush-cherry, Australian water-pear, Brush-cherry, Creek lilly-pilly, Creek satin-ash, Creek-cherry, Scrub-cherry
Af: Australiese waterpear

Synonyms

• Myrtus australis ((J.C.Wendl. ex Link) Spreng.)
• Jambosa myrtifolia (Heynh.)
• Jambosa australis ((J.C.Wendl. ex Link) DC.)
• Jambosa thozetiana (F.Muell.)
• Eugenia simmondsiae (F.M.Bailey)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• Queensland (native)
• California (introduced)
• Guatemala (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Catherine Baldwin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 23, 2022 by lxndr (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Paul Harris (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Catherine Baldwin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 28, 2021 by taylor drake (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Catherine Baldwin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 27, 2022 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jun 2, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2022 by Catherine Baldwin (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 12, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Dan Maxwell (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 18, 2022 by ian connop (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3182605)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:913371-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Syzygium australe (J.C.Wendl. ex Link) B.Hyland)

Specifications

Growth