Description
Lilly pilly is an evergreen tree with a very dense and compact crown.
In sheltered, warm positions it can grown 20 – 30 metres tall, with a bole 30 – 60cm in diameter.
Though it is usually smaller and, in more exposed coastal sites is often reduced to a shrub.
A very ornamental tree with attractive foliage and flowers, plus clusters of pink fruit that attract birds, it is often planted in gardens, as street trees etc.
Usually found in rainforests, growing along the banks of small streams and rivers at elevations from sea level to 1,200 metres.
A plant of the subtropics to the tropics, where it is found at elevations up to 1,200 metres.
It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 18 – 28°c, but can tolerate 8 – 36°c
It can be killed by temperatures of -5°c or lower, though new growth can be killed at -1°c
It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,000 – 1,700mm, but tolerates 700 – 2,000mm
Older plants grow well in a sunny position and in dappled shade, though younger plants need some protection from strong sunlight.
Succeeds in most soils if they are well-drained.
Established plants are fairly drought tolerant, though will often show signs of stress.
Plants are often found growing along the sides of rivers, where they are able to withstand seasonal flooding and strong currents.
Young plants are rather slow-growing and spindly, but the growth eventually becomes very dense.
Ripe fruits can remain hanging on the plant for several months.
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