Plant of the Month: December 2014
Syzygium tierneyanum (River Cherry)
Syzygium tierneyanum flowers from October to February. The fluffy white or cream flowers are
borne in large clusters in the older leaf axils, and attract butterflies, bees, honeyeaters and other
nectar/pollen feeders.
This is a good shade or screening tree, growing to 10-25m with a dense-spreading canopy. The
tree naturally occurs from Cape York to Townsville along water courses and in wet rainforest.
Flowering and fruiting times vary depending on the arrival of wet season. The falling of the
fleshy fruit usually coincides with the onset of heavy rain and flooding. The fruit is eaten by
many species including the southern cassowary and native fresh water fish such as black bream.
River Cherry has a vigorous root system and is often used in river bank stabilisation works. It is
hardy and sun tolerant from an early age, and prefers well-drained soils and abundant water.
This hardy, fast-growing plant is available from Cassowary Coast Regional Council nurseries in
Innisfail & Tully.
The Innisfail Nursery, at the corner of Campbell & Sundown streets, is open for public sales on
Thursdays from 8am to 3pm. The Tully Nursery, at the Council depot on Anderson St, is open
on Fridays from 8am to 3pm. Ring 4068 0055 for more information.