Grumichama, Brazilian Plum
Eugenia brasiliensis
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
Other common names include Brazil Cherry, Brazilian Plum, Grumixameira, Grumixama, and Spanish Cherry. Grumichama or Eugenia brasiliensis is a small, tropical, compact tree growing up to 15 m in height. It is commonly found in South America. It has grey bark, and glossy oval to oblong leaves that are arranged oppositely. The small fruits are round, dark purple, and form into clusters on long stems. Leaf or bark infusions are used in the treatment of rheumatism. It is an aromatic, astringent diuretic. The fruit can be eaten raw or made into jams or jellies. The bark and leaves contain tannins and essential oil. The wood is easy to work, compact, hard, and moderately heavy. It is used for cabinets, linings, boxes, and general carpentry.
Eugenia brasiliensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Birds. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 8
Where it is found
A rare plant in the Atlantic rainforest, growing on alluvial plains and gentle slopes.
S. America - coastal southern Brazil.
Conservation Status: This taxon has not yet been assessed
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, Fiji, Hawaii, Honduras, Jamaica, Mauritius, North America, Pacific, Paraguay, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore, South America, USA,
How it is used
Food
Rating: 4
Fruit - raw or used in jams, jellies etc . The deep crimson fruit has a thin and delicate skin, soft and melting pulp and a mild subacid taste. The taste largely resides in the skin. Excellent when eaten fresh. The persistent sepals ('rabbit ears') and the modest flesh to seed ratio limit the appeal of the fruit. The fruit is a globose to oblate berry, up to 3 - 5cm in diameter.
Medicine
Rating: 2
An infusion of 10 g of leaves or bark in 300 ml water is used as an aromatic, astringent diuretic and as a treatment for rheumatism in Brazil.
Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.
Aromatic: Having an agreeable odour and stimulant qualities.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Diuretic: Acts on the kidneys, promoting the flow of urine.
Other
Rating: 2
Other Uses: The bark and leaves contain large amounts of tannins, reportedly among highest found in plants (34% in the bark). The bark and leaves contain 1.5% of an essential oil and have an attractive aromatic smell. The wood is cross-grained, compact, hard, moderately heavy, not very elastic, brittle, of medium durability when exposed. Easy to work, it is used for lathe work, cabinet making, general carpentry, linings and boxes.
Containers: Plants, such as gourds, that can be used as containers. Does not include baskets or containers made from wood.
Essential: Essential oils that are used in perfumery, medicines, paint solvents, insect repellents etc.
Furniture: A few miscellaneous uses that do not fit easily into other headings.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.
How it is grown
is a cultivated tree. The fruit are popular. The grumichama requires a humid, tropical to subtropical climate, growing best at very low elevations of 90 metres or less. The temperature range for growth is reported to be 15 - 38°c with the optimum between 21 - 32°c. Mature trees tolerate frost to -3°c for short periods, but young shoots are affected. The annual rainfall range for growth is reported to be 800 - 3,500mm with the optimum between 1,200 - 2,500mm. The plant is adversely affected by a long, dry season. Succeeds in full sun or part day shade. Adaptable to a range of soil types, but intolerant of alkaline soils. Prefers high levels of organic matter in the soil, especially when grown on light soils. Prefers a position sheltered from strong winds. Generally slow-growing, the plants can commence flowering and fruiting when 4 years old from seed. In the subtropics the trees flower synchronously in spring. The fruit ripens within one month and the harvest is over in a matter of days. In the tropics flowering and fruiting extend over several months. The fruits can vary considerably in colour and two distinct forms have been described. The species type has a black-skinned fruit; E. Brasiliensis leucocarpa has yellow fruits; E. Brasiliensis erythrocarpa has red-skinned fruits that are sweeter than the other forms. Flowering Time: "Late Summer/Early Fall Mid Fall". Blooming Color: White/Near White. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.
Propagating it: Seed - should be sown as soon as possible because it loses its viability in about 6 weeks. Sow in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. Germination rates are usually low, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 60 days. Seedlings grow away very slowly. A spacing of 4 m between trees is suitable. Little pruning is necessary. Cuttings. Easy. Air layering. Easy. Grafting.
Best place to grow:
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 9-12
Growth: Slow
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Its other names
Local names
Grumichama, Brazilian Plum, Grumixameira, Grumixama, Spanish Cherry, Amla, Aula, Cerisier de Brazil, Cumbixaba, Grumixaba, Grumixameira, Ibaporoti, Oula, Sinaili,
Synonyms
Eugenia bracteolaris Lam. Eugenia dombeyi (Spreng.) Skeels. Eugenia filipes Baill. Eugenia ubensis C