Cagaita, Cagaiteira
Eugenia dysenterica

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub or small tree. It grows 4-8 m tall. The crown is long and dense. The trunk is twisted and 25-35 cm across. The bark is thick and cracked into squares. The leaves have a scent and short leaf stalks. The leaves are 4-9 cm long by 3-5 cm wide. The flowers are highly fragrant. They can be single or in groups. They are white. The fruit are small and yellow to orange. They are 3-5 cm across. They have a thin skin and pulp that is very juicy and acid. There are 1-3 seeds.

There are about 550 Eugenia species. They are mostly in tropical and subtropical South America. It helps with anti-obesity.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows naturally in the drier scrub areas of Central Brazil. It can grow in poor soils with high acidity and high aluminium levels.

Countries/locations it is found in

Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Mexico, South America

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. It should only be eaten in small amounts. They are also used to make drinks, sweets and preserves.

The fruit are not very popular. They have high nutrient levels.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and put into a plastic bag to allow them to soften. The seeds are removed and planted fresh. They germinate in 10-15 days.

Plants grow slowly. They reach 2 m high in 2 years.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Stenocalyx dysentericus (DC.) O. Berg.; Myrtus dysentericus Mart,;