Download Article 50 Syzygium paniculatum Eugenia myrtifolia

Weeds in our Area (Part Fifty)
By Bob and Ena McIntyre – Garden Route Branch.
Eugenia sp. and Syzygium paniculatum
Eugenia australis, E,myrtifolia, E. paniculata and finally Syzygium paniculatum - taxonomy is ever
evolving – modern DNA testing is contributing greatly to the accuracy of naming species. Common
names are Australian water pear or brush-cherry. A proposed declared invader it most certainly
has made itself at home in our region and the reason for this can be found in all those wonderfully
enthusiastic recommendations to gardeners in numerous gardening publications over the years
encouraging, undoubtedly with every good intention, the use of hardy and hassle-free exotics.
Thankfully we have come a long way and learnt a great deal since then.
Syzygium (Eugenia) species come in many shapes and forms and include evergreen shrubs and
trees growing to between 3 and 10 meters tall. They are Australian in origin – hardly surprising –
and were cultivated as ornamentals, hedges, screening plants and edible fruit. In the Hartenbos
area there are good examples of Syzygium paniculatum used as screening plants between
properties. In Wilderness they are seen in almost every garden, particularly along the dune area,
because like our indigenous shrubs and trees they do well in poor soil and it is for this very reason
that they have acclimatised and settled in so exceptionally well. They fruit prolifically and the fruits
are a great favourite with birds as well as monkeys and baboons. This has contributed to the
spread of the species into forest areas and coastal bush. Many examples are in evidence in
Nature’s Valley where baboons spread the seed into the forest.
Identification: Certainly a handsome plant the
Syzygium paniculatum is an evergreen shrub
or tree that develops a rounded shape with
age, starting off in a compact cylindrical
shape. The leaves are stiff, thick and glossy
dark green in colour. Young foliage is tinged
bronze. Leaves are rounded to shortly pointed
at the tips varying between 30 – 80 mm in
length. The creamy-white flowers with
prominent stamens and a slight perfume
appear in short terminal or sub-terminal
sprays in late summer. The fruits are pink to
red and oval shaped, approximately 20mm
long. The fruits are succulent but in human
terms the taste is insipid.
Invasive status: Potential transformer –
proposed declared invader. Syzygium paniculatum invades coastal bush, forest edges and
riverbanks.
Control: No herbicide is registered at this stage and hand pulling of seedlings would be most
appropriate. Best practice, choose an indigenous alternative.
Indigenous substitutes: Rothmannia globosa (Bell gardenia), Tarchonanthus camphoratus
(Camphor bush), Rhamnus prinoides (Dogwood), Vepris lanceolata (White ironwood) Gonioma
kamassie (Kamassie), Kiggelaria Africana (Wild Peach)
References: Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants by Lesley Henderson, Creative Gardening with
Indigenous Plants by Pitta Joffe.
Line drawing: From Alien Weeds and Invasive Plants by Lesley Henderson. Copyright © 2001
Agricultural Research Council