The Waterhousea genus is named after Dr John T. Waterhouse, who was a senior lecturer in Botany at the University of New South Wales and a Director of the Sydney herbarium who spent much of his career researching the family Myrtaceae. (One reference, however, described the genus as being named for George Waterhouse who founded the Museum of South Australia. The former is far more likely and is supported in more than one source.) The truth is that there is very little in the literature, or on the internet, on this genus.

The Satinashes are rainforest trees native to NSW. There are several species known to cultivation but little information is available. Waterhousea hedraiophylla, and W. unipunctata (Roly Poly Satinash) are available from specialist nurseries. The latter has attractive bright red new growth. W. mulgraveana (Mulgrave Satinash) is another species that is mentioned though, according to The Aussie Plant Finder, this name has not been registered with the appropriate international registration authority.

Waterhousea floribunda - Weeping Lillypilly or Weeping Satinash is the best known member of the genus. It occurs naturally as far south as Newcastle and as far north as Central Queensland. The trees grow generally along coastal rivers and streams. While the tree rarely exceeds 10m in cultivation, in perfect conditions it can reach 30m, so be warned. A very elegant evergreen tree with large pendulous, opposite leaves with undulate margins, it will grow as far south as Melbourne provided it is protected from hard frost. I have seen it used to excellent effect in a huge hotel atrium between tall city buildings. Fluffy cream flowers are borne in late spring to early summer and are followed by greenish white berries.

Waterhousea floribunda will grow in either sun or semi-shade and needs ample moisture and acid soil as befits its rainforest heritage. It is quite fast-growing and is certainly well worth considering when an evergreen feature tree is required.

Illustration:
Waterhousea floribunda has handsome, glossy  foliage.