Leaf Characteristics Tree Identification, Syzygiums, Native Australian Tree Specimens Page 10

Tree Page 10 S - Syz

Leaf Characteristics Tree Identification of Native Australian Tree Specimens

Leaf characteristics are explained by descriptions and through enlarged pictures of native Australian trees including a selection of Syzygiums, together with other vegetative identification features like bark, flower and fruit. The natural distribution range and special features useful in identification are given for every specimen listed on the web page below. All Creative Designs Nambucca & Coffs Harbour® presents native Australian tree images for website design, presentation and identification purposes. Please note all images are copyright and only to be used for non-business purposes. (see copyrights) You are welcome to Contact Us with any questions or feedback regarding Australian tree species and queries regarding commercial use of photos. We aim to build up the awareness to the high conservation values Australian rainforest areas deserve.
Identification tree pictures are ordered by most used common name in alphabetical order, see page links below.
Tree Pages: 1 A - Bo \| 2 Bo - Br \| 3 C - D \| 4 E - Euca \| 5 F - Figs \| 6 F - G \| 7 H - M \| 8 N - P \| 9 R - S \| 10 S - Syz \| 11 T - V \| 12 W - Z
See our Leaf Characteristic Page for explanations on leaf and vegetative characteristics mentioned in descriptions to the right. Know what you are looking for; use our species list with links to relevant tree images and descriptions. JPG format thumbnail images are 180 x 135px (vertical 135 x 180 px) web optimised. JPG full size images are 800 x 600 px web optimzed (vertical 600 x 800 px). All images copyright © 2007 - 2012 by All Creative Designs® worldwide rights reserved. Click thumbnail images to view full size pictures.	Leaf Characteristics Page Flower Characteristics Page Species List Common & Botanical Reference Resources Back to Gallery

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Picture 5

Small-leaved Plum Myrtle Pilidiostigma rhytispermum
This species is very similar in appearance to its close relative the the Plum Myrtle Pilidiostigma glabrum (Page 8). It is also a shrub or small tree under 10 m in height and found as an under-storey species in subtropical rainforest (Picture 1). Bark is a reddish brown in colour and a characteristic scaly texture (2).These beautiful flowers with pure white petals and numerous stamens topped by yellow anthers measure up to 15 mm in diameter, emerge mostly single stalked from leaf axils and flower over spring (3). The fruit is a fleshy berry turning from green to a very dark and shiny purple colour with maturity. It measures up to 20 mm in length, is mainly obovoid (pear-shaped) in shape with the remains of the calyx showing at the top and contains between 2 to 8 small seeds (4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; Small at mostly under 5 cm in length, elliptic to slightly obovate in shape with entire margins, hairy when young, mainly hairless when mature, mid-green and rather dull on upper surface, lighter green beneath. Leaf apex is rounded, base shape is cuneate (5). Distribution: Southern QLD.

Small-leaved Plum Myrtle Bark Pilidiostigma rhytispermum

Pilidiostigma rhytispermum Flower Small-leaved Plum Myrtle

Small-leaved Plum Myrtle

Small-leaved Plum Myrtle Bark

Pilidiostigma rhytispermum Flower

Small-leaved Plum Myrtle Fruit

Small-leaved Plum Myrtle Leaves

Small-leaved Spurge Phyllanthus microcladus Other names: Small-leaved Phyllanthus
The Small-leaved Spurge or Small-leaved Phyllanthus is a multi-stemmed shrub reaching a height of up to 3m (Photo 1 ). Stems and older branches present spines up to 25mm in length. Bark is firm, rather smooth with small fissures and grey to light brown in colour (2). Fruit is coloured a vivid pinkish red, up to 5mm in diameter and globose in shape. Fruit ripens in late autumn supported on stalks up to 2 cm in length (3). Very small simple leaves are borne on stems, branches and twigs over the whole shrub and are arranged in small clusters of 5 to 6 mostly in an alternate way. Leaves are up to 15mm long with entire margins, obovate to oblanceolate in shape and have a whitish, pale green underside (Photos 4 & 5). Distribution: Uncommon from NSW north-coast to central QLD within subtropical or drier types of rainforests.

Phyllanthus microcladus Small-leaved Spurge

Small-leaved Spurge Fruit Phyllanthus microcladus

Small-leaved Spurge

Phyllanthus microcladus

Small-leaved Spurge Fruit

Small-leaved Spurge

Small-leaved Spurge Leaves

Smooth-barked Apple Angophora costata Other names: Sydney Red Gum
Found in a large range of different habitats the Smooth-barked Apple or Sydney Red Gum Angophora costata can attain a height of 25 m or more under favourable conditions, but on poor or rocky sites has a short and twisted trunk less than 10m in height (Photo 1). Bark after shedding in large patches is orange to pink in colour turning grey with age, newly exposed areas have a hard and smooth texture (2). The woody fruit is on average 15 mm in diameter and features a broad rim and exerted valve tips (3). Simple and mostly oppositely arranged adult leaves are; between 8 to 10 cm long with entire margins, lanceolate in shape and sometimes curved, dark green and semi glossy on top, paler below with a firm texture. Apex is acute ending in a fine point; base shape is cuneate or more rounded. Mid-vein is prominent on both leaf surfaces, numerous straight lateral veins are faint (4 & 5). Distribution: In coastal areas from the south coast to the mid-north coast of NSW.

Smooth-barked Apple Fruit Angophora costata

Smooth-barked Apple

Angophora costata Bark

Angophora costata Fruit

Sydney Red Gum

Smooth-barked Apple Leaves

Strychnine Tree Strychnos arborea
Strychnos arborea is a small rainforest tree species with very compact and dense foliage reaching a height of up to 10 m (Photo 1). Bark is a dark brown colour with a rough and fine fissured texture (2). Small flowers are; conical in shape, whitish yellow in colour and measure up to 8 mm in length (3). Fruit is a fleshy red berry up to 12 mm across ripening in late autumn to winter, containing a single rounded seed, somehow flattened, whitish to cream in colour (4). Simple leaves are up to 6 cm long with varied leaf shapes ranging from broadly ovate to broad elliptic. Other characteristics are; entire margins, opposite leaf arrangement, medium glossy and smooth upper surface, lower surface paler with very fine hair on midvein only, short petiole and young stems covered in scattered fine hair, prominent venation showing 3 veins starting at base of leaf (5). Axillary spines are absent on this specimen . Distribution: Northern NSW (might also occur further south) to southern QLD.

Strychnine Tree Strychnos arborea Flower

Strychnine Tree

Strychnos arborea Bark

Strychnine Tree Flower

Strychnine Tree Fruit

Strychnine Tree Leaves

Steelwood Sarcopteryx stipitata Other names: Corduroy
The Steelwood or Corduroy Sarcopteryx stipitata reaches a height of up to 15m and is commonly found as an understorey species in different types of rainforests (Photo 1). Bark is steely grey in colour (other colours are caused by lichen) with a very firm texture featuring raised longitudinal ridges and bumps at the base of the trunk (mature specimen Photo 2). Small white flowers are held on upright panicles which are a vivid red in colour, flowering occurs (depending on average temperature) from late winter to spring (3). The fleshy fruit is a capsule at up to 2.5 cm in length, three angled with rather flat sides and contains 3 brown or blackish seeds (depending on maturity) covered in a thin yellow aril. The seed is often attacked by fruit flies (4). Alternately arranged compound leaves consist of up to 8 leaflets which are: up to 11 cm in length with entire margins, elliptic to lanceolate in shape, dark green, semi glossy and mostly hairless on top, mid-green and finely hairy below (mainly along mid vein), thin but firm and rough in texture. Apex is acute with a fine point, base shape is cuneate. Petiolules are very prominent, finely hairy and up to 2 cm in length. Rachis, petiole and young branches are covered in fine brown hair. Venation is very apparent with mid vein and lateral veins being raised on both leaflet surfaces giving it a slightly rough texture. Domatia are visible as small bulges in vein angles along the mid-vein (5). Distribution: NSW mid-north coast to QLD. See Flower Characteristics Page and Leaf Characteristics Page for information on terms used.

Steelwood

Steelwood Bark

Sarcopteryx stipitata Flower

Steelwood Fruit & Seed

Steelwood Leaf

Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum
The Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum is a very common and wide spread native tree species which can under favourable conditions reach a height of 15m or more. It occurs in all different types of rainforests, tall open forests and frequently in regrowth areas (Photo 1). Bark on mature specimens is firm with small ridges and grey brown in colour (beneath lichens and mosses) (2). Beautiful white flowers with a yellow centre are up to 20 mm across and are very pleasantly scented, this is a reason for its extensive use in landscaping which has lead to an invasive weed declaration on the species in areas outside the natural distribution of the Sweet Pittosporum Pittosporum undulatum (3). Simple leaves develop in a whorl arrangement then turning alternate and are a bright yellow colour at first. Leaves are; mostly elliptic in shape, up to 15 cm in length with entire and undulating (wavy) margins, dark green and glossy on top, mid-green below, hairless and smooth. Apex is acute, base shape is attenuate. Petole is up to 20 mm in length. Venation is more visible on upper leaf surface with fine lateral veins being raised (Picture 4 & 5). Distribution: VIC, NSW & QLD.

Sweet Pittosporum Bark Pittosporum undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum Flower Pittosporum undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum

Sweet Pittosporum Bark

Sweet Pittosporum Flower

Pittosporum undulatum

Sweet Pittosporum Leaves

Syzygiums

Brush Cherry Syzygium australe Other names: Creek Satinash
The Brush Cherry Syzygium australe is a common native tree species growing in a range of different forest types and can reach a height of 25 m or more. New growth in the dense foliage will flush in salmon colours (Photo 1). Bark on mature specimens is brown in colour with a rough and fissured texture (2). Gorgeous white flowers bloom over summer and are up to 2.5 cm in diameter (3). The edible fruit is; pink to red in colour, pear shaped, up to 25 mm in length and matures in autumn containing a single seed (4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; varied in shape from obovate to elliptic, up to 8 cm long with entire margins, hairless, dark green and glossy on top, lighter green and shiny below, soft but firm. Leaf apex is short acuminate, base shape is cuneate. Venation with straight lateral veins and an intramarginal vein is only faintly visible (5). Distributon: Along Australia's east coast starting from the south coast of NSW.

Brush Cherry

Syzygium australe Bark

Brush Cherry Flower

Brush Cherry Fruit

Syzygium australe Leaves

Fibrous Satinash Syzygium fibrosum
This small native tree species reaches a height of up to 10m in warm locations as an understorey species within tropical rainforests (Photo 1). Bark is a reddish brown in colour with fine longitudinal fissures (2). Sprays of white flowers blossom over winter and measure up to 5 cm in diameter (Photos 3 & 4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; up to 10 cm in length with slightly incurved margins, mostly elliptic in shape, hairless, smooth, dark green and glossy on top, lighter green below with a firm and rather leathery texture. Apex is short acuminate ending in a blunt point, base shape is rounded. Strong petiole is up to 10 mm in length. Venation is faint overall but mid-vein is raised on both leaf surfaces (5). Distribution: Naturally occurring only in far northern QLD.

Syzygium fibrosum Foliage Fibrous Satinash

Fibrous Satinash

Fibrous Satinash Bark

Syzygium fibrosum

Fibrous Satinash Flower

Fibrous Satinash Leaves

Lilly Pilly Syzygium smithii Other names: Lillipilli Satinash
Very wide spread small tree species occurring within different rainforest types on Australia's east coast. 3 different forms are recognised, the species shown here is the small-leaved form (Photo 1). Bark is reddish brown, smooth and hard (2). Small fruit at 8 mm in diameter features a circular rim on top and turns a whitish pink to pale purple colour when ripe, it is produced abundantly in late summer to autumn (Photos 3 & 4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; from 1 to 5 cm in length with entire margins, broadly obovate to oblanceolate in shape, hairless, semi glossy or dull, firm and smooth in texture. Leaf apex is short attenuate, base shape is cuneate. Venation is only faintly visible on both surfaces (5). Distribution: NSW central coast to southern QLD.

Lilly Pilly

Syzygium smithii Bark

Syzygium smithii Fruit

Lilly Pilly Fruit

Syzygium smithii Leaves

Magenta Lilly Pilly Syzygium paniculatum
The Magenta Lilly Pilly Syzygium paniculatum is a small to medium sized tree species reaching a height of 15m or more under favourable conditions and is found in subtropical and littoral rainforests (Photo 1). Bark is brown in colour, hard and rough in texture featuring numerous longitudinal fissures (2). Magenta or sometimes pink coloured fruit is up to 2 cm long containing a single seed white in colour (3). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; up to 9 cm in length with entire margins, mostly broad elliptic or obovate in shape, dark green and glossy on top, paler and glossy beneath, hairless, smooth and soft in texture. Apex is short acuminate, base shape is cuneate. Mid vein is raised on lower surface and angular in shape, laterals veins are more visible beneath (Photos 4 & 5). Distribution: Naturally occurring from the south coast to the mid-north coast of NSW, more wide spread as an ornamental tree.

Magenta Lilly Pilly Bark Syzygium paniculatum

Magenta Lilly Pilly Fruit Syzygium paniculatum

Magenta Lilly Pilly

Magenta Lilly Pilly Bark

Magenta Lilly Pilly Fruit

Syzygium paniculatum Leaves

Magenta Lilly Pilly Leaves

Powderpuff Lilly Pilly Syzygium wilsonii ssp. wilsonii
This well known native shrub originates as under storey species within tropical rainforests and reaches a height of up to 5m (Photo 1). Bark is a reddish brown in colour with firm and slightly rough texture (2). New growth with a weeping habit flushes in different tones of pink to red (3). The striking powder puff shaped flowers are a deep crimson red in colour and can measure up to 7cm in diameter (4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; mostly lanceolate in shape, up to 20 cm in length with entire and incurved margins, dark green and rather dull on top, paler beneath, hairless, firm and strong. Leaf apex is acute, base shape is rounded. Petiole is very short only up to 3 mm in length. Overall venation is faint, straight laterals and intramarginal vein are more visible on upper leaf surface (5). Distribution: Tropical QLD, widely used as an ornamental shrub in frost free areas.

Powderpuff Lilly Pilly Bark Syzygium wilsonii ssp. wilsonii

Syzygium wilsonii ssp. wilsonii Foliage Powderpuff Lilly Pilly

Powderpuff Lilly Pilly

Powderpuff Lilly Pilly Bark

Syzygium wilsonii ssp. wilsonii

Powderpuff Lilly Pilly Flower

Powderpuff Lilly Pilly Leaves

Purple Cherry Syzygium crebrinerve Other names: Rose Satinash
Very attractive large STRf (Subtropical Rainforest) species up to 40 m in height (Photo 1) with large buttress roots on mature specimens (2). Straight erect trunk covered in epiphytes and mosses (3). Gorgeous shiny purple fruit matures in large numbers containing a single seed, often damaged by insects. Simple leaves are up to 12 cm in length and elliptic to ovate in shape (Photos 4 & 5). Distribution: Mid-north coast NSW to Central QLD.

Purple Cherry

Syzygium crebrinerve

Syzygium crebrinerve Bark

Syzygium crebrinerve Leaf

Purple Cherry Fruit

Red Apple Syzygium ingens Other names: Southern Satinash
Subtropical rainforest tree species growing to about 30 m in height with a distribution from northern NSW to central QLD (Photo 1). Older specimen develop a fluted trunk with smooth and firm grey bark (2). Attractive foliage will flush pink (Photo 3). Young stems are colored red (4). Simple leaves are more than 20 cm long with a firm and stiff texture, margins are wavy and entire. Leaf arrangement is opposite (5).

Red Apple

Syzygium ingens Trunk

Syzygium ingens Foliage

Red Apple Branchlet

Red Apple Leaves

Riberry Syzygium luehmannii Other names: Small-leaved Lilly Pilly
This well known native tree species is being widely used in cultivation for its beautiful weeping foliage and stunning fruit display. It can reach a height of more than 30m in its natural subtropical and littoral rainforest habitat but is normally seen as a large shrub in suburban gardens (Photo 1). Bark on older specimens is rough, fissured and a reddish brown in colour towards the base of the trunk while branches feature a relative firm and smooth textured bark (2) White flowers a tightly packed in panicles and flowering can occur over a long period throughout the year. New growth is a stunning pink colour (3). Abundance of pinkish white to crimson red fruit is mostly pear shaped and measures 10mm in length on average, containing a small single seed covered in whitish flesh (4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; up to 6 cm in length with entire and slightly incurved margins, obovate to wide lanceolate in shape, dark green and very glossy on top, paler but also shiny beneath, hairless, smooth with rather firm texture. Leaf apex is very long acuminate, base shape is rounded. The broad mid vein is apparent on the upper leaf surface; straight lateral veins (10 - 12 pairs) are faintly visible. Petiole is up to 5 mm in length and often a yellowish green in colour (5). Distribution: From the NSW mid-north coast to tropical QLD.

Riberry

Riberry Bark

Syzygium luehmannii Flower

Riberry Fruit

Riberry Leaves

Ringwood Syzygium anisatum
This beautiful subtropical tree species can attain a height of up to 40m and naturally occurs along water courses, but is rare these days due to clearing. Specimen shown is regularly effected by flooding (Photo 1). Bark is a weathered grey with shallow furrows on old specimens compared to the reddish brown bark with a softer texture on younger trees (2 & 3). Vibrant green and uniform foliage is a prominent feature when identifying this species (4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; up to 11 cm long with very wavy margins, lanceolate to elliptic in shape, hairless, rather thin but firm. Apex is long acuminate, base shape is cuneate. Mid vein is pronounced on lower leaf surface and numerous straight laterals are faintly visible. Petioles and young stems are coloured red. Identify leaves by the pleasent aniseed odour emitted when crushed (Photos 4 & 5). Distribution: Small natural range on the mid-north coast of NSW.

Ringwood

Syzygium anisatum Bark

Ringwood Bark immature

Syzygium anisatum

Syzygium anisatum Leaves

River Cherry Syzygium tierneyanum
The River cherry Syzygium tierneyanum is a small to medium sized tree species native to tropical rainforests where it prefers locations along water courses (Photo 1). Bark is papery and flaky in texture with newly exposed areas being a pinkish brown in colour (2). The fruit changes from white over pink to a deep red colour when mature and measures up to 25 mm in length with an obovoid or sometimes globular shape (3). Foliage has a weeping habit and new growth is yellow. Young twigs are very smooth and reddish brown in colour (4). Simple large leaves with an opposite arrangement are; large at up to 20 cm in length, oblong to elliptic in shape with entire margins, hairless, scented, smooth, medium thick and rather leathery in texture. Apex is acute to long acuminate, base shape is varied rounded to cuneate. Mid-vein is yellow on both sides, lateral veins are visiible on top, but faint on underside of leaf. Fleshy Petiole is grooved on top, orange brown and up to 10 mm long. Distribution: Along tropical east coast of Australia. (Used as an ornamental species)

River Cherry

River Cherry Bark

River Cherry Fruit

Syzygium tierneyanum

River Cherry Leaves

Roly Poly Satinash Syzygium unipunctatum
The Roly Poly Satinash is an eye catching shrub or small tree species native to tropical Queensland but can be found as an ornamental in frost free areas along Australia's east coast (Photo 1). Bark is a reddish brown in colour and except for very small longitudinal ridges has a fairly smooth and firm texture (2). New growth changes from a deep pink to a salmon colour before turning a glossy dark green when mature (3). The globosely shaped fruit measures up to 2.5 cm in diameter with numerous lobes and turns a striking purple and indigo colour with ripening (4). Simple leaves with an opposite arrangement are; elliptic to ovate in shape, up to 11 cm in length with entire margins, hairless, glossy on both surfaces, smooth with a rather soft texture. Apex is acuminate ending in a very fine point, base shape is cuneate. Mid vein is raised below and numerous straight lateral veins are faintly visible, more so on upper leaf surface. Natural distribution: Tropical QLD south to Townsville.

Roly Poly Satinash Bark Syzygium unipunctatum

Syzygium unipunctatum Foliage Roly Poly Satinash

Roly Poly Satinash

Roly Poly Satinash Bark

Syzygium unipunctatum

Roly Poly Satinash Fruit

Roly Poly Satinash Leaves

Sour Cherry Syzygium corynanthum
Medium sized rainforest tree up to 30 m in height occurring from NSW mid-north coast to central QLD (Photo 1). Lower trunk features a beautiful and distinctive bark useful in identification of this species. In wet times bark will have a shiny silvery appearance (Photos 2 & 3). Simple leaves are mainly obovate in shape with entire margins and up to 12 cm long with an opposite arrangement (Photos 4 & 5).

Sour Cherry

Syzygium corynanthum

Syzygium corynanthum Bark

Sour Cherry Leaves

Weeping Lilly Pilly Syzygium floribundum Other names: Weeping Satinash
Lilly Pilly with drooping branches reaching up to 30 m in height occurring in STRF from NSW central coast to QLD (Photo 1). Bark is dark grey in color, fissured and hard (2). Abundant flowering takes place in early summer (3). Fruits are small green berries up to 15 mm in diameter ripening in late summer (4). Simple leaves up to 17 cm long are elliptic to ovate in shape; hairless and glossy on upper surface; paler green on underside with numerous lateral veins (5).

Weeping Lilly Pilly

Syzygium floribundum Bark

Weeping Lilly Pilly Flowers

Weeping Lilly Pilly Fruit

Syzygium floribundum Leaves

We attempt to properly describe any tree species shown on this web page and cross referenced images using these sources. It is recommended to cross reference your plant material or photographs with the resource list provided when identifying tree species. A personal interest into our native forest species for more than twenty years provided the images, descriptions and measurements for any tree species shown. Other experience was gathered through a long time involvment with Landcare River Restoration Projects and Farm Foresters. Information on distribution range of tree species has been collected using a selection of sources (see link above). The target of these web pages is to show the diversity and magnificence of our remaining rainforests areas. Our aim is to build up the awareness to the high conservation values these subtropical and tropical rainforest areas deserve.
Please note all images are copyright, watermarked and not to be used without prior permission by All Creative Designs® worldwide rights reserved.

Tree Pages: 1 A - Bo | 2 Bo - Br | 3 C - D | 4 E - Euca | 5 F - Figs | 6 F - G | 7 H - M | 8 N - P | 9 R - S | 10 S - Syz | 11 T - V | 12 W - Z

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