Syzygium oleosum | |
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Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Plantae |
Clade: | Tracheophytes |
Clade: | Angiosperms |
Clade: | Eudicots |
Clade: | Rosids |
Order: | Myrtales |
Family: | Myrtaceae |
Genus: | Syzygium |
Species: | S. oleosum
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Binomial name | |
Syzygium oleosum | |
Synonyms[1] | |
List
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Syzygium oleosum, common names include blue lilly pilly, Scented satinash, and blue cherry.[2] It is a species of Syzygium tree native to the eastern Australian rainforests and wet sclerophyll forests.
It is usually a small tree, 4 to 15 m tall. The leaves are opposite, simple and lanceolate to ovate, with a dark glossy upper surface and paler under-surface. The leaves have oil dots and are distinctly aromatic when crushed, with aromas reminiscent of lemons.[3] Its flowers are small and white-cream colored. It produces a purplish red fruit when young, changing to purplish blue when ripe, 13–40 mm in diameter.[4]
A wide distribution range on the east side of Australia. From Cooktown, North Queensland to the Illawarra, New South Wales.[5]
The blue fruit can be eaten freshly picked from the tree or cooked. It has a pleasantly crisp texture and is mildly aromatic and sweet. The fruit can also be made into jams, jellies and wine. It is also grown as an ornamental plant.