Acmena smithii Common name: Lillypilly	Indicates sun requirement      Full sun      Half sun      Semi-shade      Shade   Indicates water requirement          High water requirement.     Water every 1-2 days.          Medium water requirement.     Water every 3-7 days.          Low water requirement.     Water every 7-14 days.
Description Native to northern and eastern Australia and New Guinea. The 15 species of this genus of evergreen rainforest trees vary from 20m (70 ft) trees to low shrubs, and make charming and reliable street and garden trees. The smooth-edged and glossy foliage (short and broad leaves that narrow to a fine point) is profuse and Lillypillies are therefore usually seen as a compact 6–9m (20–30 ft) trees or grown as tall screening hedges. Sprays of tiny white flowers in early summer are followed by pink, mauve or white berries in late summer. The fruits have crisp watery flesh and a harder but still fleshy seed. They are edible, but not very sweet, and can be used for making jam. The many available dwarf varieties are actually Syzygium (a bush variety, closely related to Acmenas) which do not fruit as profusely and are ideal as hedges. The more you trim, the denser they become!
Growing Lillypillies are a tough plant and can be grown successfully in warm-climate countries. They prefer a mild humid climate that is near frost-free and they will grow in any position but full shade. However, a sunny and sheltered situation is definitely preferable as it prevents spindly growth and disease problems. Provide with fertile, deep, well-drained but moist soil. Can also easily be grown as potted plants. Propagation Late summer, early autumn. Seeds are readily germinated but must be fresh. Pruning Responds well to pruning with flushes of attractive coppery coloured new growth. (A little extra water and fertiliser will enhance this.) Fertilising Fertilise regularly. Pests & Diseases In more humid areas foliage is sometimes disfigured by sooty mould fungus. The most common insect problem Lillypillies are affected by are Psyllids (a sap sucker that causes unsightly lumps on the leaves).