Description

Acmena

There are about 7 species of evergreen trees, in this genus.  They derives from the rainforest of northern and eastern Australia and New Guinea and the Malay Archipelago.  The glossy lance shape, smooth edge leaves are arranged opposite.  On the tips of the twigs small petal, sprays of white flowers appear followed by globular, tang pink, white, purple berries.  The berries are used to make jams. Acmenas makes a good street tree or in the garden.

When cultivated outdoors they like frost-free climates with fertile, moist soil in full sun or shade they prefer humid shelter situations at least when young.

When cultivated indoors use soil based potting mix in full light or filtered light, top dress in spring or autumn.  During growing season water freely and use a balance liquid fertilizer monthly.  Water sparingly in winter.

Prone to whiteflies scale insects, aphids, and sooty mold may be problems.

Acmena ingens – Acmena australis – Eugina brachyandra – Red Apple – Native to the rich lowland of the rainforest of Australia to northeastern New South Wales to Queens land. Grows 50’ feet tall in cultivation. Has an erect habit when young but later limbs begin to spread.  Bears narrow pointed leaves up to 8” long.  It blooms in early summer then 6 months later bears 1 ½” diameter showy purplish red or crimson fruit.

Zones 9-11