Southern satinash facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Red apple |
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| Syzygium ingens fruit on the rainforest floor, Hayters Hill near Byron Bay | |
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Syzygium
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| Species: |
ingens
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List
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The Red Apple (scientific name: Syzygium ingens) is a special flowering plant. It grows only in eastern Australia. This tree is found in rainforests and can be medium to very tall. It has long, narrow leaves and white flowers that grow in clusters. After the flowers, it produces round, red berries.
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About the Red Apple Tree
The Red Apple tree can grow very tall, sometimes up to 40 meters (about 130 feet) high. Its trunk can be up to 90 centimeters (about 3 feet) wide. Older trees often have a smooth, straight, grey or brown trunk. The bottom of the trunk might have strong, wide supports called buttresses.
Leaves and Flowers
The leaves of the Red Apple tree grow in pairs opposite each other. They are long and narrow, usually 6 to 18 centimeters (2.4 to 7 inches) long. They are about 2 to 5 centimeters (0.8 to 2 inches) wide. The leaves have a reddish stem that is 2 to 8 millimeters long. The top of the leaves is shiny green, and the bottom is lighter.
The white flowers grow in clusters at the ends of the branches. These flower clusters are shorter than the leaves. Each flower has five small parts called sepals that form a bell shape. It also has five white petals with wavy edges.
Fruit and Seeds
Red Apple trees usually flower in November and December. After flowering, they produce dark pink to red berries. These berries are round or oval, about 2.5 to 3 centimeters (1 to 1.2 inches) long. They are 1.5 to 4 centimeters (0.6 to 1.6 inches) wide. Each berry has one seed inside, surrounded by white fruit flesh.
How Red Apple Got Its Name
The Red Apple tree has had a few different scientific names over time. In 1861, a botanist named Charles Moore first described it. He called it Nelitris ingens. This name came from notes by another botanist, Ferdinand von Mueller.
Later, in 1988, Gordon P. Guymer and Bernard Hyland changed the name to Acmena ingens. This name was accepted by the National Herbarium of New South Wales.
Then, in 2006, Lyndley Craven and Edward Sturt Biffin changed the name again. They renamed it Syzygium ingens. This is the name that is now officially accepted by the Australian Plant Census.
Where Red Apple Trees Grow
Red Apple trees grow in eastern Australia. You can find them in places with volcanic soil. Their range stretches from near Gympie in southeastern Queensland down to Casino in northern New South Wales.
Animals That Eat Red Apple Fruit
Many birds enjoy eating the fruit of the Red Apple tree. Some of these birds include:
- The wompoo fruit dove
- The green catbird
- The eastern rosella
- The pied currawang
- The topknot pigeon
Growing Red Apple Trees
If you want to grow a Red Apple tree, it's best to remove the seed from the fruit first. Then, soak the seed in water for a day or two. This helps to get rid of any tiny insect larvae that might be inside. The seeds usually sprout quickly and reliably. You can also grow new trees from cuttings.
