Native to much of Australia’s eastern seaboard, the Lilly Pilly family has had somewhat of an identity crisis, variously belonging to the Myrtus, Acmena, Waterhousea, Eugenia and Syzygium families. Now considered Syzygium, the Lilly Pilly was an important part of the indigenous Australian diet, producing pink, red and purple fruits varying in size from currants to apples, and rich in Vitamin C. A hardy choice for landscaping, its only shortcoming is a susceptibility to psyllid attack, a sap-sucking insect that disfigures the leaves. New hybrids claim to have psyllid resistance, and come in a host of forms, most with striking new foliage in shades of red, orange and pink. To learn more about the diverse produce of native Australia, click here.
