Syzygium kuranda

Syzygium kuranda, commonly known as cherry penda, cherry satinash or kuranda satinash, is a tree of the family myrtaceae native to north eastern Queensland. The tree can grow to 35 metres (115 ft) in height with a trunk that can be 1 metre (3 ft) in diameter. It has simple shiny dark green leaves that are paler on the underside. The leaf blade is lance-like to elliptical in shape narrow at the base and with a blunt point at the tip. Found in an area along the east coast of Queensland between Cooktown and Tully usually in areas of well established rainforest. It is found from sea level to an altitude of around 1,100 metres (3,609 ft).

Description

A tree. It grows up to 15-30 m tall. It has a dense crown. The bark is flaky. The leaves are thick and broader near the top end. They are 10-12 cm long by 5-6 cm wide. The leaves are bright green and shiny on top but dull and paler underneath. The flowers are white. They occur in clusters on the larger branches and sometimes on the trunk. The fruit are large and round. They can be 4.5 cm across. The colour of the fruit varies between cream to brown to dark pink. The surface of the fruit can be woody. The fruit contain one or two seeds. The seeds are 2-3 cm across. The fruit is edible.

Edible Uses

We have no specific information on edibility for the fruit of this species, but the fruits of many members of this genus are edible. The globular fruits are about 35 - 40mm long and about 40 - 45mm wide; the firm flesh surrounding one or two large seeds.

Traditional Uses

The fruit is eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It occurs in northeast Queensland in Australia. Plants occur in the rainforest in either lowlands or highlands. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 1100 m altitude. It can grow in the subtropics. They prefer shady places and plenty of moisture.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are grown form fresh seed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe.

Other Uses

A very useful, general purpose structural timber. We do not have any more specific information for the wood of this species, but the various species of Syzygium tend to have somewhat similar timber. The general description of syzygium timber is as follows:- The heartwood is a golden brown, greyish brown or brown, with pink or purplish glints; it is not clearly demarcated from the 1 - 4cm wide band of sapwood. The texture is fine; the grain slightly interlocked, sometimes wavy or irregular; there are resin deposits. The wood is heavy; moderately hard; somewhat durable, being moderately resistant to fungi and termites, but susceptible to dry wood borers. It seasons slowly, with a high risk of checking and distortion; once dry it is moderately stable in service. It works well with ordinary tools, nailing and screwing are good so long as the wood is pre-bored; gluing is correct. The wood is used for musical instruments, tool handles, furniture components, ship building, heavy carpentry, flooring, joinery etc.

Production

Plants are fairly slow growing. Flowers occur November to January and fruit are ripe December to April. Flowering and fruit can occur in any month.

Synonyms

References (7)

• Cooper W & Cooper W T, 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 274
• Cooper, W. and Cooper, W., 2004, Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Victoria, Australia. p 364
• Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 296
• Jackes, B.R., 2001, Plants of the Tropics. Rainforest to Heath. An Identification Guide. James Cook University. p 69
• Jones D, L, 1986, Ornamental Rainforest Plants in Australia, Reed Books, p 79, 340

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