Syzygium are closely related to Acmena and Eugenia, this is why when we use the common name of Lilly Pilly, instead of the botanical name Syzygium we can get just a little confused.
And remember that not all species are native to Australia in fact only around 10%.
The common name is used for some species of both Syzygium and Acmena. For example S. wilsonii subsp. wilsonii is known as the ‘Powderpuff Lilly Pilly’ while Acmena smithii is commonly known as simply as the ‘Lilly pilly’.
With about 50 species native to Australia, a fair variety exists, from tropical species to more temperate species.
S. australe is found from QLD down to Southern NSW is a hardy tree and suitable for most states as long as it has a humus rich soil with some moisture.
In the wild S. australe will grow to 25m in height, however compact forms such as ‘Tiny Trev’ have been developed and these are more suitable for hedging purposes with a height of 3m or so depending on conditions.
Pictured above we have the cultivar ‘Orange Twist’, new foliage is a glossy orange turning to mid to deep green as it ages. It reaches around 3m in height and can easily be pruned to a smaller size.
S. paniculatum is known as the ‘Magenta cherry’, or ‘Brush Cherry’ the fruit is used as bush tucker and can be made into jams or chutney.
A list of Australian Syzygium varieties with common names.