| Lilly Pilly | |
| Acmena smithii (Eugenia smithii) | |
| a.k.a. Umdoni |
see more pictures of the Lilly Pilly
Small (1 cm) pink-white berry with a very mild, watery taste. The fruit is occasionally made into jams, jellies, or drinks, but the tree is usually planted for ornamental purposes, or to attract birds.
Description: Small shrub, bush, or tree to 20ft, though occasionally growing to 30-40ft. Flowers are small and fluffy, with a creamy white color. Flowering is generally in Spring, and is followed by large bunches of the fruit which ripen a couple of months later. Fruits attract many kinds of birds.
Hardiness: The lilly pilly is fairly hardy
and needs only a subtropical climate to flourish. Protection should
be given from long or hard freezes.
Growing Environment: Plants enjoy profuse amounts of
water but will grow in drier areas, and grow best in areas of light
sun or shade. Plant in well-drained soil.
Propagation: By seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be planted fresh as they don't store well. Plant in well-drained soil. Keep the soil at 65-80F and shelter young plants from cold and direct sunlight.
Uses: Eaten fresh and used in jams, jellies, preserves, drinks.
Native Range: Native to Queensland, Australia. The lilly pilly is usually found in subtropical rainforest areas, or in dry rainforest areas near streams.
