Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Myrtales
Family: Myrtaceae
Genus: Syzygium
Species: S. smithii
Binomial name: Syzygium smithii
Synonyms: Eugenia smithii, Acmena smithii, Lomastelma smithii
Common name: Monkey apple, White monkey apple, Acmena, Lily Pilly (This common name is also used for other non-weedy species).
Syzygium smithii is a summer-flowering, winter-fruiting evergreen tree, belonging to the myrtle family Myrtaceae. It is native to Australia. It grows > 18 m in height. The (2–10 by 1–3 cm) leaves are lanceolate or ovate. They are arranged oppositely on the stem and are a glossy dark green. The underside is dotted with glands which release an aromatic fragrance when the leaves are crushed.
Small, cream-white, inconspicuous flowers appear from October to January, occurring in panicles at the end of small branches. Berries follow-on, appearing from May to August, and are oval or globular with a shallow depression at the top. They measure > 2 cm in diameter, and range from white to maroon in colour.
In New Zealand, Syzygium smithii is classed as a weed and is prohibited from sale. Originally it was planted as shrubs or as hedges mainly the warmer areas of the North Island. It is long-lived and will grow into a large tree. The problem with this tree is that it produces lots of seeds which are widely dispersed by birds, especial pigeons. The seedlings are fast growing and can form dense carpets of seedlings under forest canopies. They outgrow and shade out native species. It is hard to kill.
A mature tree.
Developing flowers
The flowers.
The mauve berries
The red form of berries
The pink form of berries.
Thanks to Wikipedia for text and information:https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/
