Waterberry
Syzygium cordatum
Also known as
Watertree, Waterwood, Water berry
Syzygium cordatum (9774260235) by Ton Rulkens (CC BY-SA 2.0)
Full Sun
Easy care
Frequent watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
15m | Max | 6m |
8m | Min | 4m |
Fruiting
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
To grow this species take fresh fruits, clean off the fleshy outer covering and sow the greenish looking seeds in damp well drained soil or sand.
More images of Waterberry
Waterberry Overview
Syzygium cordatum is an evergreen, water-loving tree species in the Myrtaceae family. It is often found near streams, on forest margins or in swampy spots and grows best in moist to wet soil. It typically grows to between 8-15m in height, producing circular to elliptical-shaped leaves. Young foliage has a red tinge, developing to a blue-green colouring on the upper surface and a pale green shade on the underside. Showy flowers are white-pink in colour, scented and they are fluffy from many stamens, which produce an abundance of nectar, providing sustenance to pollinators and other wildlife. Flowers lead onto oval red-purple berry fruits.
Common problems with Waterberry
Generally problem free.
Waterberry Companion Plants
Under-plant with water loving plants.
How to propagate Waterberry
Seed
Sow seed in a seed trays with well-drained soil and cover seeds with a thin layer of soil. Water well and keep in a well-ventilated area. Treat seeds with fungicide before sowing.
Special features of Waterberry
Attracts birds
Birds feed on the berry fruits.
Attracts useful insects
Attracts bees
Wet sites
Will grow in damp sites near water.
Attracts butterflies
Attracts bees
Other uses of Waterberry
Medicinal
In central Africa the tree is known as a remedy for stomach ache and diarrhoea. It is also used to treat respiratory ailments and tuberculosis.
Edible
The fleshy fruit is edible, slightly acid in flavour, and is eaten by children, monkeys, bush-babies and birds. The berries are also used to sometimes make an alcoholic drink.
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