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(Syzygium smithii)
Lilly Pilly (Syzygium smithii)
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Bahudhara
CC BY-SA 3.0
Image By:
Bahudhara
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 3.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bahudhara | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0 | Uploader: Bahudhara | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Lilli_pilli_flowers.JPG |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Syzygium smithii, commonly known as Lilly Pilly or Monkey Apple, is an evergreen tree native to rainforests and moist woodlands in eastern Australia. It can grow up to 20 meters (66 feet) high and 5–15 meters (16–49 feet) wide in its natural habitat, with a trunk diameter of up to 70 cm (2.3 feet). In cultivation, it typically reaches 3–5 meters (9.8–16.4 feet) tall. Syzygium smithii features rough, woody bark and smooth, waxy leaves that are cream and green in color. New growth often flushes pink, adding to the plant’s ornamental value. It blooms in summer with clusters of white flowers, followed by white to maroon edible berries in winter, which are attractive to birds and other wildlife.
The Lilly Pilly is valued for its dense foliage and fast growth, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and topiary. It adapts well to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. Regular pruning maintains its shape and promotes lush new growth. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as psyllids, which cause unsightly pimple-like galls on the leaves. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness when grown outside its native range and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Lilly Pilly is valued for its dense foliage and fast growth, making it an excellent choice for hedges, screens, and topiary. It adapts well to a variety of soil types, provided they are well-drained, and it thrives in full sun to part shade. Regular pruning maintains its shape and promotes lush new growth. While it is generally low-maintenance, it can be susceptible to pests such as psyllids, which cause unsightly pimple-like galls on the leaves. Gardeners should be aware of its potential invasiveness when grown outside its native range and check local regulations before planting.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree
- Height: 10-20 feet
- Width: 6-12 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hedges, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Rainforests and moist woodlands in eastern Australia
Other Names
Common Names: Lilly-Pilly
Scientific Names: , Acmena smithii, Syzygium smithii, Eugenia smithii, Acmena kingii, Eugenia smithii var. minor, Acmena smithii var. minor, Eugenia elliptica, Acmena elliptica, Acmena floribunda
GBIF Accepted Name: Syzygium smithii (Poir.) Nied.