Syzygium xanthophyllum
| Syzygium xanthophyllum | |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Syzygium xanthophyllum [1] |
| Genus | Syzygium [1] |
| Family | Myrtaceae [1] |
| Order | Myrtales [1] |
| Habit | Tree, reported to 20 m [2] |
| Native range | Philippines [1] |
| Fruit | Reddish, globose berry; about 2–3 cm across [3] |
Syzygium xanthophyllum is an accepted species of Myrtaceae native to the Philippines. It is a rare lowland-forest tree reported to about 20 m, with reddish globose fruits recorded as edible and eaten raw. [1] [2] [3]
Description[edit | edit source]
The species is reported as an evergreen tree reaching up to 20 m, with a bole or stem up to about 50 cm in diameter. It occurs rarely in lowland forest in the Philippines. The leaves are described as linear to oblong or narrowly elliptical and about 7–15 cm long; white flowers occur in short lateral or terminal cymose clusters. [2] [3]
The accepted name is associated with the recorded basionym Eugenia xanthophylla. [1] Philippine vernacular names recorded for the species include malatampoi, lapinig, and barakbak. [4]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
For cultivation, begin with a moisture-retentive but freely draining root zone containing organic matter, while avoiding prolonged stagnant saturation. This is a habitat-based starting inference from its wet-tropical, lowland-forest setting rather than a tested species-specific soil prescription. [5] [2]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
Begin with warm, humid conditions and shelter from desiccating exposure, reflecting the species' wet-tropical lowland-forest setting. This is a habitat-based starting inference rather than a measured species-specific light or humidity requirement. [5] [2]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The native setting is wet tropical. During warm growth, keep the root zone from drying sharply while maintaining active drainage through heavy rain, and protect the plant from cool exposure. This is a habitat-based starting inference rather than a species-specific seasonal schedule or cold limit. [5] [2]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
The accessible species account lists seed propagation and recommends sowing seed as soon as ripe. [6]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
Bees and insects are listed as pollinators, while the white flowers are placed in short cymose clusters. The fruit is a reddish globose berry about 2–3 cm across, produced in clusters with a persistent calyx. [7] [3]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The fruit is recorded as edible, wild-harvested, eaten raw, and used as pulp. This documents a reported local use, not general food-safety assurance. [8] [4]