Syzygium luehmannii - Riberry, Small Leafed Lilly Pilly

Syzygium luehmannii

The Syzygium luehmannii (Small Leafed Lilly Pilly) also known as Riberry, Cherry Satinash, Cherry Alder, or Clove Lilli Pilli is a distinctive tall-growing Australian Native Lilly Pilly renowned for its impressive height, ornamental appeal, and pink new growth.

The Syzygium luehmannii carries authentic East Coast Australian rainforest heritage, naturally occurring from NSW through to tropical Northern Queensland. This native provenance makes it valuable for rainforest gardens, wildlife sanctuaries, and Native gardens celebrating Australian botanical character.

Psyllid resistant.  

Spacing: Plant these every 80cm apart for a faster forming hedge or further apart for a slower forming hedge.

Growth Size: Approx 6-10m h x 3 - 5m w but can grow up to 15m + tall and wider in its natural habitat.

Positioning: Full sun to part shade

Temperament: Coastal tolerant, shade tolerant, frost intolerant

Perfect for: Tall Screening, Hedging

Growth Rate: Fast

Key Features

The foliage is narrow and glossy green with beautiful shades of pink new growth, creating spectacular seasonal colour transformations.

The bark is red brown, light grey or pinkish grey with soft papery scales. This ornamental bark characteristic adds visual interest, particularly striking when viewed against the glossy green foliage. 

It bears clusters of small creamy white flowers mostly in Summer, producing delicate floral displays that add ornamental value and attract pollinators. 

Following flowering the luehmannii produces attractive red berries that are edible and prized as "riberries." 

The berries also attract native Australian birds and wildlife, providing food sources while bringing bird life to your garden.

Tall Growing Specialty

Syzygium luehmannii is a Lilly Pilly variety which is a taller growing variety. 

Unlike compact Lilly Pilly cultivars, the luehmannii grows substantially taller, creating impressive height and presence.

Occasionally reaching 30 metres in its natural rainforest habitat. 

This tall, architectural form makes it perfect for tall screening, feature plantings, and creating vertical emphasis in landscapes.

Size & Growth

Usually around 6-10m in height by 3-5m wide in residential use but can grow up to 15m + tall and wider in its natural habitat.

The naturally tall, upright growth habit with a dense crown and straight trunk creates impressive architectural presence. 

Growth is steady and manageable, developing naturally into an attractive form.

Growing Requirements

The habitat is Australian riverine, littoral, subtropical or tropical rainforest.

Preference for well-drained, fertile soils enriched with organic matter.

Prefers full sun to part shade positioning. 

Perfect Uses

> Tall screening

> Hedging

> Privacy solutions 

> Native Gardens

Why Choose Luehmannii

> Tall Grower

> Contrasting colours - green with pink new growth

> Edible berries

> Fast grower

> Australian Native rainforest heritage

> Bird-attracting 

> Low-maintenance characteristics if left in its natural form