The climate preferences of the described plant are generally favorable in a wide range of conditions, including coastal positions. It can tolerate different altitudes and is adaptable to various soil types, although it thrives particularly well near rivers and streams.
Common name: Lillipilli
Eugenia smithii, also known as Acmena smithii or lillipilli, is a widely distributed Australian tree that can grow up to 30 meters tall. It produces edible purplish or white fruits, although they are not particularly flavorful. The wood of this tree is light-colored, durable in weather, and can be used in general building work.
Eugenia smithii, syn. Acmena smithii (lillipilli)
Australia
Other Relevant Information: - Eugenia smithii is commonly known as lillipilli and belongs to the Myrtaceae family. - It is an evergreen tree that is native to Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, Australia. - The tree can reach heights of up to 30 meters, but in coastal areas, it may remain as a shrub. - It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types but thrives near rivers and streams. - The fruit of Eugenia smithii is purplish or white in color and is edible, although it is not highly regarded for its taste. - The tree produces a large quantity of fruit during autumn and winter, making it potentially useful as food for pigs and poultry. - Early observations noted that the fruit was enjoyed by parrots, Aboriginals, and small children. - The wood of Eugenia smithii is light-colored, moderately strong, and durable in weather conditions. However, it is not suitable for ground contact or poorly drained areas. - The timber can be used in general building work and, when seasoned, for internal fittings and frames. - Natural companions of Eugenia smithii include Acacia melanoxylon and Cissus hypoglauca (native grape). - Propagation of this plant is done through seed.
It grows on a wide range of soil types, although seems to grow best on the banks of rivers and streams.
The most widely distributed and probably the best known of the Australian Eugenias. Native to Queensland, NSW and Victoria, this medium sized to tall tree (up to 30 m) may only ever attain shrub height in exposed coastal positions.
It grows on a wide range of soil types, although seems to grow best on the banks of rivers and streams.
The purplish or white fruit is edible although does not have an outstanding flavour. It bears large quantities of fruit over a long period of autumn and winter and probably has potential as a pig and poultry food. An early Australian botanist observed that the fruit was favoured by parrots, Aboriginals and small children. It is a good addition to any fruit forest, especially those designed for schools and children.
The wood is light coloured, moderately strong, close grained, durable in weather but not in the ground or in situations where it does not drain. The timber can be used in general building work and when seasoned it can be used in internal fittings and frames.
Natural companions include Acacia melanoxylon and Cissus hypoglauca (native grape). Propagation is from seed.