NParks | Syzygium aqueum
Others – Plant Morphology
Growth Form: Small evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown. Habitat: This species occurs in moist tropical lowlands at altitudes of up to 1200 m. It grows best in climates that have a substantial dry season, but only in locations where they have ready access to water (eg., near a stream). Trunk: Trunk is short with branching occuring at about 1 m. Bark is brown and cracked. Foliage: Leaves are elliptic (5 – 23 cm long, 2.5 – 13 cm wide) with very short petioles. Flowers: Flowers (2.5 – 3.5 cm wide) are loosely arranged in small terminal or axillary clusters of 3 – 7. The bisexual flowers carry a large number of long stamens that give the flowers a fluffy appearance. They have a subtle fragrance. Fruits: Fruits are pear-shaped berries (5 cm long). The apex has a shallow cavity that is partially covered by 4 fleshy sepals. The skin is shiny, thin and waxy, while the flesh is white, juicy and crisp. Fruits are often seedless, but sometimes have 1 – 4 small seeds. In Singapore, the fruits are typically produced from January to March and from July to September. Landscaping: This plant is often planted in tropical parks and gardens. The pink to red fruits add colour and interest to the landscape. They can be used for screening, but should be planted on the outside of the screen. This species grows well when planted next to streams and ponds, because it requires a consistent supply of water. Cultivation: It grows best in open, tropical environments. Add well-rotted compost to the soil before planting. During the first 2 years of growth, the trees should be carefully weeded, watered and mulched with regular applications of manure or complete fertilizer. After the trees have become established, they require minimal maintenance. This species grows quickly and will produce fruits within 2- 3 years. For optimal fruit production, apply a compound fertilizer after harvesting the fruits. Propagation: In Southeast Asia, this species is typically propagated by air layering. It can also be propagated by cuttings, budding, marcotting and grafting. Although seeds can be planted, they do not store well and must be planted immediately. Etymology: The genus name “Syzygium” is derived from the Greek word “suzugos” which means joined. Syzygium used to be the name of a Jamaican plant species with paired leaves and branches. The species epithet “aqueum” refers to the juicy fruits of this species. It comes from the Latin word “aqueus” which means watery.
Growth Form: Small evergreen tree with a dense, spreading crown. Habitat: This species occurs in moist tropical lowlands at altitudes of up to 1200 m. It grows best in climates that have a substantial dry season, but only in locations where they have ready access to water (eg., near a stream). Trunk: Trunk is short with branching occuring at about 1 m. Bark is brown and cracked. Foliage: Leaves are elliptic (5 – 23 cm long, 2.5 – 13 cm wide) with very short petioles. Flowers: Flowers (2.5 – 3.5 cm wide) are loosely arranged in small terminal or axillary clusters of 3 – 7. The bisexual flowers carry a large number of long stamens that give the flowers a fluffy appearance. They have a subtle fragrance. Fruits: Fruits are pear-shaped berries (5 cm long). The apex has a shallow cavity that is partially covered by 4 fleshy sepals. The skin is shiny, thin and waxy, while the flesh is white, juicy and crisp. Fruits are often seedless, but sometimes have 1 – 4 small seeds. In Singapore, the fruits are typically produced from January to March and from July to September. Landscaping: This plant is often planted in tropical parks and gardens. The pink to red fruits add colour and interest to the landscape. They can be used for screening, but should be planted on the outside of the screen. This species grows well when planted next to streams and ponds, because it requires a consistent supply of water. Cultivation: It grows best in open, tropical environments. Add well-rotted compost to the soil before planting. During the first 2 years of growth, the trees should be carefully weeded, watered and mulched with regular applications of manure or complete fertilizer. After the trees have become established, they require minimal maintenance. This species grows quickly and will produce fruits within 2- 3 years. For optimal fruit production, apply a compound fertilizer after harvesting the fruits. Propagation: In Southeast Asia, this species is typically propagated by air layering. It can also be propagated by cuttings, budding, marcotting and grafting. Although seeds can be planted, they do not store well and must be planted immediately. Etymology: The genus name “Syzygium” is derived from the Greek word “suzugos” which means joined. Syzygium used to be the name of a Jamaican plant species with paired leaves and branches. The species epithet “aqueum” refers to the juicy fruits of this species. It comes from the Latin word “aqueus” which means watery.
