About Syzygium oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland
Syzygium oleosum (F.Muell.) B.Hyland is most often a small tree, reaching 4 to 15 meters in height. Its leaves are opposite, simple, and shaped from lanceolate to ovate. The upper surface of the leaves is dark and glossy, while the underside is paler. The leaves contain oil dots, and are distinctly aromatic with a lemon-like scent when crushed. Its flowers are small, and colored white to cream. It produces purplish red fruit when young, which changes to purplish blue when ripe, with a diameter of 13–40 mm. This species has a wide distribution along the east coast of Australia, extending from Cooktown, North Queensland to the Illawarra, New South Wales. The blue fruit can be eaten fresh directly from the tree or cooked. It has a pleasantly crisp texture, is mildly aromatic, and has a sweet taste. The fruit can also be processed into jams, jellies, and wine. This species is also grown as an ornamental plant.
