Lilli pilli

Syzygium Gaertn.

Family: Myrtaceae

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources (not a clearance). Detail: no human-hazard statement

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Not assessed for pets. Do not treat as pet-safe.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Look-alike warning

Could be mistaken for Other plants with a similar name or look. To tell them apart: Match on the scientific name, Syzygium Gaertn. (genus; Kew WCVP accepted). Botanic Gardens of SA notes S. smithii was formerly Acmena smithii., not on the common name.. Genus-wide: Syzygium is a very large genus (Kew WCVP lists native areas across Africa and elsewhere), so "lilli pilli" in Australia means only certain Australian species such as S. australe and S. smithii. Check the botanical name.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Light: Full sun to part shade for the two species examples (Botanic Gardens of SA).
Water needs: moderate moderate is a plain-language reading of Botanic Gardens of SA, which lists "moderate" supplementary watering for both species examples. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: S. australe 3-8 m high, 3-5 m spread; S. smithii 3-7 m high, 3-5 m spread, but can reach 20 m in wetter coastal north-eastern Australia and is generally smaller in drier southern areas (Botanic Gardens of SA).

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon