Aniseed Myrtle

~ Syzygium anisatum ~

MYRTACEAE

This rare Australian rainforest tree, also called Ringwood, sits under the same genus as Lilly Pillies and packs a flavourful punch, just like its family members Lemon Myrtle and Cinnamon Myrtle. Similarly, it holds great significance as a bushfood, blooms nectar-rich blossoms, can be steam-distilled to create essential oils, and has antifungal, antibacterial and medicinal properties. When one arouses its oily leaves, it sends out a powerful aroma of sweet aniseed, which comes from the organic compound anethole. It’s also considered to have high antioxidant activity, is rich in magnesium and is a good source of lutein, folate, vitamin E and vitamin C. This rainforest rarity is not only a star in bioprospecting but also in biodiversity – it attracts a host of native birds, bees, insects and lizards.

WHERE TO LOOK

Aniseed Myrtle is a rare subtropical rainforest tree. In the wild it is only found in north-eastern New South Wales, in the rainforest environments of Nambucca, Bellingen and Dorrigo. It is also planted en masse in cultivation for the bushfood trade.

FEATURES

This medium to large tree can reach up to 45m in the wild, though it’s more commonly around 5–10m when cultivated. Its shiny flavourful green leaves are 6–12cm long, with wavy undulating margins, and can be harvested all year. A blush of burgundy can be found on new growth tips and the whole plant has a sweet reddish-pink hue in youth. The spring flowers appear in impressive powdery bursts of creamy stars, clustering at the end of its branchlets. Fruit follows flowering and is a small 5mm funnelshaped seed capsule.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring → Its blooms burst throughout October and November.

PLANTING

Aniseed Myrtle prefers subtropical and tropical environments in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. It can tolerate drought once mature and enjoys good sun or part shade. Although this gorgeous tree can grow seriously tall in the wild, it can be clipped and kept at 2–3m if necessary.