Eugenia, Brush-Cherry, Australian Brush-Cherry

Syzygium paniculatum Gaertn.

sez-IJ-ee-um pan-ick-you-LAY-tum

Myrtaceae

Key to Species of Syzygium Encountered in South Florida

1.        Leaves < 1.5” long, common hedge species…Syzygium paniculatum Brush-Cherry

1.        Leaves larger…2

2.        Flowers fuchsia-colored…Syzygium malaccense Malay-Apple (seldom seen)

2.        Flowers white…3 (note three choices for 3)

3.        Mature fruit purple…Syzygium cumini Java Plum (invasive weed)

3.        Mature fruit usually white or yellowish, flecked with gray, egg-shaped…Syzygium jambos Malabar Plum (weedish)

3.     Mature fruit usually reddish, thickest at one end, pear-shaped…Syzygium samarangense Wax-Jambu

Explanation of name: Syzygium comes from Greek for united, in reference to a cap formed by the petals in some species of this genus (BA1).  (DEH states the name refers the “joined” leaves and branches. The explanation in BA1 is more likely.) A panicle is a branchy inflorescence.

Natural range: Australia (BR1)

Recognition: Very commonly cultivated, dense, upright, narrow “hedge” shrub having small, opposite, elliptic leaves, these reddish when young. Flowers round, white, to 1” diam.,  with numerous protruding stamens, in panicles; fruits purplish, ¾” diam., edible. Plants monoecious.

Landscape uses:  Used for screening and for tall, highly clipped hedges, including topiary.  A much-cultivated and sheared plant. Propagated by seed (WAT)