Uñi, Chilean guava
Ugni molinae

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

Ugni molinae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) commonly known as Chilean guava, strawberry myrtle, Ugniberry, or New Zealand cranberry. An excellent ornamental plant with a beautiful strawberry aroma. Often grown as a low growing hedge or a container specimen. It was a favourite fruit of Queen Victoria having been introduced to the UK in 1844. The fruit has an absolutely delicious flavour, it is very aromatic and tastes of wild strawberries. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and is freely borne even on small plants. The fruit is used to make jam, Kuchen cake and the dessert murta con membrillo. Leaves are a tea substitute. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute. It is used to make the traditional liqueur Murtado in Chile. Myrtus ugni Molina is a synonym of Ugni molinae Turcz.

Ugni molinae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 2

Where it is found

Woodland edges and scrub.

S. America - Chile.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Bolivia*, Chile*, New Zealand, South America, Tasmania,

How it is used

Food

Rating: 5

Fruit - raw or cooked. An absolutely delicious flavour, it is very aromatic and tastes of wild strawberries. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and is freely borne even on small plants. Leaves are a tea substitute. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute.

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.

Tea: the various herb teas that can be used in place of tea, plus the genuine article.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 3

Tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a small hedge in the milder parts of Britain.

Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.

Food Forest: Plants for Edible Forest Gardens and Food Forests.

Hedge: Hedge

How it is grown

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position. Fairly tolerant of maritime exposure. Established plants are drought resistant. A very ornamental plant, it is only hardy in the milder parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Plants grow and fruit very well in Cornwall, indeed, in the past it has been cultivated commercially for its fruit there (it was one of Queen Victoria's favourite fruits), but is now normally only grown as an ornamental plant. This is a much underused plant that highly merits cultivation on a commercial scale for its fruit. Flowers and fruits well even when the plants are young. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, November in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage. Layering.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 7-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Chilean cranberry, Chilean guava myrtle, Cranberry, Guava myrtle, Muria, Murta, New Zealand cranberry, Strawberry myrtle, Tazziberry, Temo, Ugni,

Synonyms

Eugenia ugni. Ugni molinae. Myrtus ugni