Syzygium graveolens
(Bailey) Craven & Biffin
Cassowary Satinash
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Summary
Source: WikipediaSyzygium graveolens, commonly known as cassowary satinash, is a plant in the eucalyptus family Myrtaceae found only in the Wet Tropics bioregion of Queensland, Australia.
Description
A tree that grows up to 10-20 (-35) m tall. It spreads 3-7 m across. It has flaky bark. The leaves are 10-30 cm long by 6-9 cm wide. They can be oblong and dark green. They are leathery and glossy on top but dull beneath. New leaves are bright pink and hang limply. The flowers are small but occur in a much branched flower stalk which can be 10 cm long. They develop in angles of the upper leaves. The flowers are white. The berry is 4-6 cm across and pear shaped. It is red. They hang either singly or in bunches near the ends of branches. There is a single seed up to 4 cm across.
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 depressed globular to broadly turbinate fruit can be 50 - 60mm in diameter, with a leathery to almost woody pulp containing a single seed about 30 - 40mm in diameter.
Traditional Uses
The fruit are eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
Cannot tolerate frosts; tends to be too large for most home gardens.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It occurs in lowland rainforests in Northeast Queensland, Australia. It grows from sea level to 520 m altitude. It needs a well-drained soil. It responds to watering during the dry season. It needs protection from wind. It cannot stand frosts.
Where It Grows
Australia*,
Cultivation
It is grown from fresh seed. It tends to be too large for a home garden.
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe.
Other Uses
A 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
The fruit mature April to September.
Notes
There are 15 Acmena species. They occur in tropical Asia and Australia.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Cassowary Apple, Large Fruited satinash, Red watergum
References (6)
- Cooper, W. & Cooper, W. T., 1994, Fruits of the Rain Forest. RD Press p 14
- Cooper, W. and Cooper, W., 2004, Fruits of the Australian Tropical Rainforest. Nokomis Editions, Victoria, Australia. p 339
- Elliot, W.R., & Jones, D.L., 1982, Encyclopedia of Australian Plants suitable for cultivation. Vol 2. Lothian. p 138
- Jones D, L, 1986, Ornamental Rainforest Plants in Australia, Reed Books, p 58
- Lazarides, M. & Hince, B., 1993, Handbook of Economic Plants of Australia, CSIRO. p 8
Show all 6 references Hide references
- Townsend, K., 1994, Across the Top. Gardening with Australian Plants in the tropics. Society for Growing Australian Plants, Townsville Branch Inc. p 68
