Syzygium multipetalum

Pancher ex Brongn. & Gris

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit ? 19 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

A stout tree of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae) growing to 6 m tall, with white flowers and small fruits. It is native to tropical regions, particularly along riverbanks from sea level to 170 m elevation.

Edible Uses

The fruit is potentially edible, though confirmation of palatability and uses is needed.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows along the edges of rivers. It grows from sea level to 170 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

New Caledonia, Pacific,

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe.

Other Uses

The juice of the fruit can be used as an indelible ink on cloth. The pale red wood is fine-grained, dense and hard. It is used for cabinet making. 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.