Mission Beach Satinash or Syzygium alliilgneum is an uncommon locally occurring tree of great beauty and edible fruits. Its other common name is Onionwood which refers to the odour of the blaze of the trunk when cut and not the sweet red fruits.
These trees form fruit in early winter, around April or May and these are much sought after by Cassowaries. The flowers are cream and showy but this tree may be a little large for the average home garden as it can reach heights of nearly 30M. The glossy foliage makes it an attractive evergreen for the larger garden and whatever fruits the Cassowaries don’t scoff may be eaten raw or made into a delicious jam.
Adrian Walker
