Common Name:

General Information

Syzygium erythrocalyx is a tree that usually grows 7 - 8 metres tall[].
The tree is sometimes harvested from the wild for local use as a food. An absolutely stunning tree with wonderfully quilted new leaves, it deserves to become more widely planted in tropical gardens[]. Large yellow flowers are produced in clusters from the smooth pinkish stem and attract many species of birds[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Australia - northern Queensland.

Habitat

Well developed lowland and upland rain forest on a variety of sites at elevations up to 700 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	7.50 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Pollinators	Bees, Butterflies, Flies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the tropical lowlands, occurring in areas with very high annual rainfall[].
A very demanding plant to grow, demanding shade from the sun, especially when young, and often found in dense shade in the wild[]. When growing the tree as an ornamental the leaf colour is best when the level of shade is not too high[]. Requires a well-drained but moist soil that is rich in humus[].
A slow-growing tree[].
Trunk bumps normally hollowed out by black ants (Iridomyrmex gilberti) which emit an unpleasant odour when crushed[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked. The succulent flesh is somewhat acid[, ]. The white, pink or red fruit is borne on bumps on the trunk and also on the twigs and branches; it is depressed globular in shape, around 50 - 70mm in diameter[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

This species does not produce useful logs and is of no commercial value for its wood[].

Propagation

Seed - needs to be sown fresh, when it can germinate within a few weeks[]. The seed is very easily infested with insects[].

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