Syzygium francisii

(F. M. Bailey) L. A. S. Johnson

Giant water gum, Francis' Water Gum

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit 444 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Syzygium francisii is a native Australian tree, common on the eastern sea board, between Morisset, New South Wales (33° S) and Gladstone, Queensland (23° S). Common names include giant water gum, rose satinash, and Francis water gum. The habitat of Syzygium francisii is rainforest on basaltic or fertile alluvial soils. Several fine examples may be seen at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney. An often seen Syzygium francisii is at the start of the Mount Warning walking track in far north eastern New South Wales.

Description

A dense tree. It grows 24 m high and spreads 21 m wide. It can be taller and the trunk can be 1.5 m across. The trunk of the tree has buttresses. The bark is slightly flaky. It has a spreading crown. The branches are almost horizontal. Leaves are simple and opposite. They are 4-8 cm long. The leaves are dark green and leathery. They are oval and have a long point. They are glossy and have wavy edges. The flowers have cream stamens. The flowers are in panicles. The fruit are round and violet-purple.

Edible Uses

The fruit is eaten, though it is dry and not very palatable.

Distribution

A tropical and subtropical plant. It grows in rainforest and on fertile alluvial soils. In Melbourne Botanical Gardens. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants grow easily from seed.

Other Information

The fruit is dry and not very palatable.

Synonyms

Eugenia francisii F. M. BaileyEugenia tomlinsonii Maiden & Betche

Also Known As

Rose satinash

References (8)

Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 1392
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 296
Leiper, G & Houser, J., Mutooroo. Plant Use by Australian Aboriginal People. Assembly press, Queensland.
Nicholson, N & H., 1996, Australian Rainforest Plants 2, Terania Rainforest Publishing. NSW. p 59
Ratcliffe D & P., 1987, Australian Native Plants for Indoors. Little Hills press. p 134

Show all 8 references

Ryan, M. (Ed.), 2003, Wild Plants of Greater Brisbane. Queensland Museum. p 297
Stanley, T. D. & Ross, E. M., 1986, Flora of south-eastern Queensland Volume 2. Queensland Government p 210
Williams, J.B., Harden, G.J., and McDonald, W.J.F., 1984, Trees and shrubs in rainforests of New South Wales and Southern Queensland. Univ. of New England, Armidale. p 113, 119