Australian Lilly pilly or Syzygium

JodieDownUnder

Please don’t ask me to pronounce this one quickly, try (scissor gym ) There are many species of this genus in Australia, a rainforest tree native to the east coast. Commonly called Lilly pilly or bush cherry, great for all types of landscaping, hedges, specimen tree and fruiting. We have a few different types but one in particular is fruiting at the moment. Big pink berries in clusters, they are slightly sweet, have a drying effect in your mouth and make great jams and chutneys. I’ve never cooked with them but tempted to give them a go. So Family - Myrtaceae, Genus - Syzygium, species - australe I just discovered that my local city Coffs Harbour has adopted it as the city’s floral emblem!

Torey

Wow! Quite beautiful. Are they aromatic being related to clove and allspice?

LaurieLovesLearning

Really cool. This is new to me. Fascinating fruit & so beautiful!

JodieDownUnder

@torey in my experience they are not aromatic.

@monica197 Australia has about 60 different species of Lilly pilly, from large tree size to shrub. After a bit more research it seems that they are not nutritious, mostly water and only traces of vit C. It seems the blue Lilly pilly or Syzygium oleosum is the best for jelly and jam making.