Family: Myrtaceae
Scientific name: Syzygium jiewhoei
Common name: Syzygium
Origin: Papua, Indonesia

This is a very rare species from the west of the island of New Guinea. The leaves have a special nervature, are elongated and can become quite large. The species has only recently been described in 2017 by 3 botanists associated with botanical gardens in Indonesia and Singapore: G.G. Hambali, S. Sunarti and Y.W. Low. Based on a tree in a garden in Singapore, from which the second photo is also taken (see publication here). More trees have now been planted in Indonesia and Singapore, because in addition to the unusual leaves, they have a beautiful growth. In nature, the species occurs in the lowland rainforests of the Kuala Kencana region, near the city of Timika. There the trees can reach a height of 9 meters. The small flowers are white and grow on the trunk. They are followed by pink fruits containing 1 seed.

It is a very tropical species that can be kept in the Netherlands as a houseplant. Ensure high humidity and spray the leaves with water regularly. Plants like a lit position without direct sunlight and a constantly moist soil.

Sowing description: The seed can be planted in a well-drained soil. E.g. in a mix of Spaghnum, coconut fiber, perlite and/or sowing soil. Let develop further at 25-30degC. 

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Intermediate
Minimum temperature: 15 degrees Celsius