Eugenia Evergreen shrub

Plant Details

• Scientific Name: Syzygium campanulatum

• Common Names: Kelat Oil, Malayan Eugenia, Wild Cinnamon, “Kelat Paya” in Malaysia

• Type: Evergreen ornamental tree (family: Myrtaceae)

• Height: 6–20 m (depending on pruning and environment)

• Leaves: Glossy, elliptical, bronze-red to bright orange when young, maturing to dark green.

• Flowers: Small, pink to purple, fluffy clusters that attract bees.

• Fruits: Purplish-black, berry-like, edible but small and not widely consumed.

• Use: Popular as a shade tree, avenue tree, or ornamental landscape plant.

 Care Instructions

1. Sunlight

• Prefers full sun for the best foliage color.

• Can tolerate partial shade but with less vibrant leaf coloration.

2. Watering

• Young trees: Keep soil moist but not waterlogged.

• Mature trees: Drought-tolerant but grow best with regular deep watering.

• In pots: Water when the top 2–3 cm of soil feels dry.

3. Soil

• Well-drained loamy soil enriched with organic matter.

• Slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.5).

• Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained soils.

 Fertilizer

Type

• Balanced fertilizer (e.g., 15:15:15 NPK) for overall growth.

• High nitrogen fertilizer promotes lush foliage.

• Micronutrient supplements (magnesium, iron) help maintain vibrant leaf colors.

• Organic options: Vermicompost, cow manure, seaweed extract, or compost tea.

 Other Care Tips

• Pruning: Responds very well to pruning → can be shaped into hedges, screens, or topiary. Trim regularly to encourage bushy growth.

 Uses

1. Ornamental:

   • Grown for its colorful flush of new leaves (orange, red, bronze).

   • Excellent as an avenue tree, hedge, screen, or specimen tree.

2. Environmental:

   • Attracts bees, butterflies, and birds.

   • Provides shade and improves air quality.

3. Edible / Traditional:

   • Fruits are small and edible, though not widely consumed.

   • Related Syzygium species are used in folk medicine, but S. campanulatum is mainly ornamental