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Lilly Pilly
Acmena smithii (Eugenia smithii)
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.
Seed Availability
Seeds are not available for the Lilly Pilly. Please visit our seed store to view current selections. Seeds were last available in October 2016.
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.