Syzygium suborbiculare (Benth.) T.G.Hartley & L.M.Perry

Fam: MYRTACEAE

Previously known as Eugenia suborbicularis and commonly as Red Bush Apple.

It is common through savannah woodland and on the edge of coastal floodplain growing in sandy soil. Samples growing in coastal dunes on Melville Island differ in having dull leaves, smooth white fruit with a pinkish blush. 

The photographs here are taken of an example growing alongside MacMillan road in Anula in September and October 2005.

S. suborbiculare may be mistaken for S. eucalyptoides subsp. bleeseri.

Nectar from the flowers attracts bees.

Globular fleshy, red fruit are up to 70 mm in length, fruiting occurs November to December. The fruit contains a single large seed. 

The fruit can be eaten raw. Other uses of the plant include

• decoction from leaves for diarrhoea

• juice from cooked fruit for coughs, colds and chest congestion

• fruit pulp applied to sore ears

• heated leaves applied to wounds as a dressing to stop bleeding and reduce swelling

• infusion form bark and leaves for stomach pains and bathe sores.

This plants grows readily from fresh seed in most well-draining  soils