Black cherry, White stopper
Eugenia axillaris

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 5 m tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The leaves are oval and dull green. They are more pale underneath. They can be 8 cm long. The flowers are white and have 4 lobed petals. These are in small tight clusters. The fruit are round and smooth. They are purple to black when ripe. They are 12 mm across.

There are about 550 Eugenia species. They are mostly in tropical and subtropical South America.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in wet forests. It grows in sandy coastal areas. It can grow in a variety of soils. Once established it can tolerate drought. In Puerto Rico it grows up to 800 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Antilles, Asia, Bahamas, Belize, Bermuda, Brazil, Caribbean, Central America (country/location of origin), Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Martinique, Mexico, Nicaragua, North America, Panama, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South America, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit is eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown from seeds or cuttings. It can be grown as a hedge.

Its other names

Local names

Basamo guajillo, Chamiso, Escobo, Escobon colorado, Grajo, Granada cimarrona, Guairaje, Jambu bgabus putih, Krum berry, Palo de hueso, Pohon jambu gabus putih

Synonyms

Eugenia anthera Small; Eugenia axillaris DC.; Eugenia axillaris var. microcarpa Krug & Urb.; Eugenia baruensis (Jacq.) Jacq.; Eugenia buxifolia Spreng. non Benth.; Eugenia cabanisiana O.Berg; Eugenia carthagensis var. baruensis Jacq.; Eugenia carthagensis var. myrtifolia Jacq.; Eugenia divaricata Willd. non Benth.; Eugenia flavovirens Stahl non O.Berg; Eugenia guadalupensis DC.; Eugenia itzana Lundell; Eugenia matanzensis O.Berg; Eugenia monticola Griseb. p.p. non DC.; Eugenia verrucosa A.Rich.; Eugenia yumuriensis O.Berg; Myrtus axillaris Sw.; Myrtus baruensis (Jacq.) Spreng.; Myrtus divaricata Ham.; Psidiastrum dubium Bello;