Syzygium jiewhoei

Syzygium is a large genus with over 1200 species in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae). Some members are known for their edible fruits, such as the rose apple ( Syzygium jambos ) or the jambul tree ( Syzygium cumini ). However, most species are economically insignificant and are practically never cultivated. Hopefully, this will soon change, because some members are absolutely spectacular!

The Syzygium jiewhoei offered here is certainly one of the most spectacular members of the genus! This species was only described in 2017 and is characterized by strikingly narrow, long leaves with sunken veins, giving them a ribbed appearance similar to Anthurium veitchii . As already mentioned, Syzygium are trees! This plant grows with an upright, woody trunk and also branches out. The leaves reach 60 to 105 cm in length with over 100 pairs of sunken veins per leaf. There are currently only a few pictures of larger specimens in nature, and only young plants have been observed in cultivation. Many Syzygium in the undergrowth remain surprisingly small (for a tree). Specimens up to 9 m tall are known.

The young leaves have an almost unnatural, metallic purple hue and only turn dark green and velvety after a few weeks. The leaves feel leathery and are surprisingly robust. We suspect that larger specimens could thrive in normal room humidity after an acclimatization period. However, we haven't tested this yet.

Like most Syzygium species , Syzygium jiewhoiei is cauliflorous (stem-flowering). The flowers, and later fruits, appear directly on the stem .

Syzygium jiewhoiei originates from western New Guinea, near Timika.

You will receive a young plant in a 9cm square pot, approximately 10-20cm tall with several pairs of leaves. See pictures 2 to 4 in the gallery. Please be sure to grow it in a protected environment (grow tent, terrarium, etc.) and do not simply place it in your home!