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Introduction of Brush Cherry

            Scientific name - Syzygium paniculatum

Brush Cherry scientifically known as Syzygium australe is popularly known with various different names across the globe such as brush cherry, scrub cherry, creek lilly-pilly, creek satinash, and watergum. They are rainforest trees usually native to Australia. As appealing as it sounds this tree bears eye catching showy flowers during spring and summer adding vibrant red color to the season. These trees are known to possess a redish foliage that adds to the beauty of the plant. Their shiny leaves gradually turn dark green on thin brown twigs as they grow older. These trees are not just eye pleasing decorative trees but they bear fruits 2-3 months after its grown. Brush cherry often grow upto the height of 30ft tall they are sometimes grown as shrubs or bushes. They can be often sighted as clipped into hedges in residential landscapes.

Nutritional Value of Brush Cherry

Principle	Nutrient Value per 100g		Percentage of RDA
Cherry type	Sweet	Tart	Sweet	Tart
Energy	63 cal	50 Kcal	3%	2.5%
Carbohydrates	16.1 g	12.18 g	12%	9%
Protein	1.06 g	1.00 g	2%	2%
Total Fat	0.2 g	0.3 g	1%	1.5%
Cholesterol	0 g	0 g	0%	0%
Dietary Fiber	2.1 g	1.6 g	5.5%	4%
Vitamins
Folates	4 µg	8 µg	1%	2%
Niacin	0.154 mg	0.400 mg	1%	2.5%
Pantothenic acid	0.199 mg	0.143 mg	4%	3%
Pyridoxine	0.049 mg	0.044 mg	4%	3.5%
Riboflavin	0.033 mg	0.040 mg	2.5%	3%
Thiamin	0.027 mg	0.030 mg	2%	2.5%
Vitamin A	640IU	1283 IU	21%	43%
Vitamin C	7 mg	10 mg	11%	17%
Vitamin E	0.07 mg	0.07 mg	0.5%	0.5%
Vitamin K	2.1 µg	2.1 µg	2%	2%
Electrolytes
Sodium	0 mg	3mg	0%	0%
Potassium	222 mg	179mg	5%	4%

Growth Condition

Brush cherry is adaptive to grow both in sun and shade. During winter it is advisable to keep the bonsai indoors and place it in a shallow tray filled a layer of gravel with water. This method provides extra moisture around the tree and in turn reduces the amount of moisture lost to modern heating systems. Brush cherry noticeably grows well in South Florida as it grows on limestone soils as an understory plant. Ideally brush cherry grows well in open spaces and sunny environment with less or no attention given to them while they grow.

For any plant to grow healthy and beautiful fertilizing is a very necessary process. As the bonsai grows in a very small amount of soil it is necessary to keep a check on the health and fertility of the soil and keep fueling the soil with essential supplies periodically to ensure a healthy growth. While yes, fertilization is necessary one needs to understand the over exposure to fertilizers will lead to dire results. This may adversely affect the growth of the plant and sometimes even lead to dire results.

The Right Fertilization

One needs to be educated on the right use of these fertilizers. While it is already being said that these bonsai are on low maintenance any general purpose liquid fertilizer can be used to fertilizer these plants. It is suggested that fertilizers should be used at half their recommended strength. Fertilizers should be applied once a month except for winters to ensure good health of the plant. Another way of fertilizing your bonsai is by spraying soluble fertilizer every month as a spray. This technique is known as foliar feeding, in this technique the plants/ leaves get in direct contact of the fertilizer and it absorbs the essential elements through its leaves.

Brush cherries or cherries bear exotic fruits and can withstand up to 25F. These trees require a lot of moisture round the year and rich soil to survive and grow. Fruits borne by this plant is used to make jams and jellies. They have a pleasantly sour taste to them that makes them a good treat even if eaten raw.

Uses of Brush Cherry

Brush cherry has many uses, both culinary and medicinal. The fruit can be eaten fresh or dried for use in jams, jellies, and preserves. The leaves can be brewed into a tea or steeped in hot water to make a pleasant-tasting herbal tea. The fruit can also be used to make a tart syrup or juice.

The leaves of the brush cherry tree have long been used in traditional medicines as a remedy for colds, fever, and other ailments. In addition, they are said to improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and relieve stomach aches. The leaves can also be used as a topical treatment for skin conditions such as rashes and eczema.

The wood of the brush cherry tree is hard and durable, making it an excellent material for furniture, flooring, and other construction uses. It is also used to make musical instruments and is favored by luthiers because of its excellent tonal qualities.

Harvesting

Harvesting brush cherry fruit is relatively easy and can be done with minimal effort. The best time to harvest the fruit is when it is ripe and ready to eat, usually in late summer or early fall. The fruit will be a deep red-purple color when ripe and should be picked with the stem attached.

When harvesting the fruit, it is important to be careful not to damage the branches or leaves of the brush cherry. It is also important to wear gloves when harvesting the fruit to prevent skin irritation. Harvesting the fruit should be done in the morning when the fruit is still cool and less likely to be damaged.

Once the fruit is harvested, it can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to two weeks. Before using the fruit, it should be washed and dried thoroughly. The fruit can be eaten fresh, made into jams and jellies, or cooked down into sauces.

When planting a brush cherry tree, it is important to keep in mind that the tree needs a lot of sunlight and well-drained soil. The tree should also be pruned regularly to encourage new growth and to help it maintain a desired shape or size.

Harvesting brush cherry fruit is a great way to enjoy the flavor of the fruit, while also helping to maintain the health of the tree. The fruit can be used in a variety of dishes, either fresh or cooked, and can provide a delicious addition to any meal. With a little care and effort, brush cherry can be enjoyed for years to come.

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