Syzygium (now including the previously-named Waterhousea and Acmena genera), often referred to as lilly pillies, are one of the most widely planted native genera in Australian landscapes. Used for hedging, screening, and ornamental features, they’re appreciated for their dense foliage, colourful new growth, fuzzy flowers and edible berries. But what do they offer urban fauna? Let’s break it down.
Sweeper® Waterhousea floribunda syn. Syzygium floribundum ‘DOW20’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/ozbreed-advanced-trees/sweeper-waterhousea-is-a-heavily-weeping-tree-with-large-clusters-of-white-flowers-in-summer-advanced-trees-range/
Nectarivorous Birds
Yes – Some Value
While Syzygium flowers do produce nectar, they’re not as heavily trafficked by nectar-feeding birds as Grevillea or Callistemon. That said, larger flowered species like Syzygium australe can still draw in a fair few honeyeaters and lorikeets, especially when flowering en masse in summer.
Fruit Eating Birds
Yes – Strong Value
This is where Syzygium really shines. The fleshy, brightly coloured berries are a favourite of fruit-eating birds such as figbirds, currawongs, and even some parrots. These fruits provide a reliable seasonal food source in urban environments, supporting avian biodiversity.
Seed Eating Birds
Unknown – Likely Low Interest
The seeds inside the fleshy fruit aren’t commonly targeted by granivorous birds, and there’s little evidence that Syzygium seeds are a significant food source in their own right. Seed-eating birds likely benefit more indirectly through insect presence or habitat. Try adding Chrysocephalum and Cenchrus.
Insectivorous Birds
Yes – Especially During Flowering and Around Infested Plants
The dense foliage of Syzygium provides good cover for insects, including both native and introduced species. Insectivorous birds may forage for beetles, psyllids, and other small prey among the leaves, especially if the plant is in full bloom or hosting an active infestation of so-called ‘pests.’
Pollen Feeding Insects
Yes – Particularly When Mass Flowering
Syzygium flowers are open and accessible to a range of pollen-feeding insects. Native bees, beetles, and beneficial flies often visit, although the attraction level is lower than more specialised pollinator plants like native grasses or Melaleuca.
Straight and Narrow™ Syzygium australe ‘SAN01’ PBR. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/straight-and-narrow/
Nectar Feeding Insects
Yes – Particularly When Mass Flowering
Bees, butterflies, and other nectar-loving insects will visit Syzygium flowers, particularly when plants flower prolifically. The presence of multiple shrubs or trees in a single landscape can amplify their ecological draw. Lilly pillies tend to flower in summer, so adding Callistemon for spring, Correa alba for autumn/winter and Grevillea for winter/spring provides resources for the whole year.
Buzz Pollinated Flowers
No – Not Buzz-Pollinated
Syzygium doesn’t require buzz pollination. Pollen is freely available to visiting insects and birds, making it accessible to a broad range of pollinators without specialised behaviour. Add Dianella .
Habitat for Desirable Insect Larvae
Unknown – Some Potential
While there’s limited data on beneficial insect larvae using Syzygium, the plant’s dense growth may offer shelter and microhabitats for predatory or parasitic insects. It’s an area where more research could yield useful landscape planning insights. If you’d like to support butterflies and moths, try adding native grasses and strappy plants .
Native Herbivorous Insects – A Note for Maintenance
Syzygium can host native herbivores, most notably the lilly pilly beetle and lilly pilly psyllid, which may cause cosmetic damage (chewed leaves, pimpling, or leaf curling). While not generally a threat to plant health, these insects can be an issue in formal plantings or commercial landscapes with high aesthetic expectations. Beneficial insects and birds may assist in natural control if the system is allowed to balance itself. You’re already on the way to solving this issue by valuing biodiversity, however opting for naturally resistant varieties like Straight and Narrow™ Syzygium , which is naturally resistant to psyllids, is a good genetic control within an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) plan.
Final Thoughts for Specifiers
Syzygium offers solid ecological value in urban settings, particularly for fruit-eating birds and generalist pollinating insects and birds. It’s an ideal backbone plant for creating structural habitat, with bonus benefits when planted at scale. To maximise its value, combine with insect-attracting understorey species and consider including a few other shrubs and trees from diverse genera, families, and orders.
Browse Ozbreed’s lilly pillies: https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/#lilly_pilly
https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/ozbreed-advanced-trees/
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