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Acmena smithii (Lilipily) An evergreen, compact, small tree that grows 15 to 20 feet tall with neat 1-2-inch-long lanceolate leaves that flush out a reddish pink and mature to a dark glossy green. In summer appear the small white flowers in terminal clusters that are followed by very attractive dense clusters of flat-topped round fruit that are usually a pale pink to lavender color. Fruit is edible though not particularly flavorful and is sometimes used in jams.
Plant in full sun to light shade in most any decently drained soil (tolerates wet but not waterlogged soils). Irrigate occasionally to regularly late spring to fall. Hardy to around 20 F and reportedly tolerant to ocean spray in coastal gardens. It makes an attractive small tree and can also be used as a large screening shrub.
Acmena smithii is found growing naturally in the forests of eastern Australia from Queensland south into New South Wales and Victoria where it occurs from exposed maritime situations to montane rainforests. There are several interpretations of the name Acmena. One idea is that it is derived from the Greek word "Acmenae", said to be used as a name for the beautiful nymphs of Venus while others ascribe to the idea that it is from the Latin word "Acmena" which is actually one of the names used for the goddess Venus herself - either way it is likely that the intention was to note that this tree's flowers and fruit are beautiful. The specific epithet honors British botanist Sir James Edward Smith (1759-1828). Common names include lilly pilly, coast satinash and Eungella gum.
This plant was originally described in as Eugenia smithii by the French botanist Jean Louis Marie Poiret in 1789 and the recent nomenclatural treatment has returned it to this name but since it has long been known as Acmena smithii we continue to use this name so not to confuse or customers or out staff. We have grown this tree on and off since our nursery was founded in 1979 and there are several very nice specimens of Acmena smithii in Santa Barbara and one city block (300 West Arrellaga) has it on both sides as street trees. The seed for our crops came from one of these trees.
The information about Acmena smithii displayed on this web page is based on our research conducted in the nursery's horticultural library and from reliable online resources. We also include observations made about it as it grows in our nursery gardens and other gardens we have visited, as well how the crops have performed in containers in our nursery field. We will also incorporate comments we receive from others and welcome hearing from anyone with additional information, particularly if they can share cultural information that would aid others in growing this plant. |
