Coolamon Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Coolamon

Syzygium moorei - Couchy Creek, NSW/Qld border
Conservation status
Vulnerable (EPBC Act)
Scientific classification
Genus:	Syzygium
Species:	moorei
Synonyms
Eugenia moorei F.Muell

Syzygium moorei is a special and somewhat rare tree. It grows in the warm, wet rainforests of Australia. You can find it in the Mount Warning area. This is in north-east New South Wales and south-east Queensland. It prefers rich, volcanic soils.

People call this tree by several names. Some common names are coolamon, watermelon tree, durobby, and robby. It is also sometimes called "rose apple." But be careful, as many other Syzygium trees share that name!

What Does the Coolamon Tree Look Like?
Flowers and Fruit of the Coolamon Tree
Where Can You Find the Coolamon Tree?
See also

What Does the Coolamon Tree Look Like?

The Syzgyium moorei is a beautiful tree. It grows very tall in the rainforest. It can reach up to 40 metres high. That's like a 13-story building! Its trunk can be 60 centimetres wide.

The bark of the tree is usually grey, fawn, or reddish. The bottom of the trunk is not wide and flat like some trees. However, very old trees might have wider bases.

The leaves of the coolamon tree are quite unique. They are large, thick, and feel heavy. Each leaf is about 8 to 20 centimetres long. They have a short, blunt tip at the end.

Flowers and Fruit of the Coolamon Tree

Coolamon fruit growing on the trunk, showing cauliflory

One interesting thing about this tree is how its flowers and fruit grow. They appear right on the main stems or woody parts of the trunk. This is called cauliflory. It's more common in tropical areas. It's quite unusual for a rainforest tree so far south in New South Wales.

The flowers bloom from November to February. They are pink or orange. They grow in thick bunches on the older branches.

The fruit is a berry. It is white or pale green. It can grow up to 6 centimetres wide. The fruit ripens around Easter time. It's not very tasty to eat raw. However, it's excellent for making mixed jams or preserves. The large seed inside the fruit can take many months to sprout. Most new plants appear in November and December.

Where Can You Find the Coolamon Tree?

You can still see some old coolamon trees. They grow in farmland areas where they used to be common. Look for them near streams in lower areas.

This tree is also planted in many botanic gardens across Australia. Its pretty pink flowers and lovely shape make it a popular choice. There is a great example at the Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney. You can also see it planted along streets in towns. These include Murwillumbah and Brisbane.