Cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande
Eugenia cerasiflora

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A small evergreen tree. It often has many branches. It grows to 6-8 m tall. With increasing age the bark peels off leaving a smooth trunk. It has dark green glossy waxy leaves. The leaves are 5-8 cm long. They are somewhat folded down the centre. Flowers are white and showy. Fruit are 2-3 cm long and dark red to purple.

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

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They grow on a variety of soils but prefer a slightly acid soils. Trees cannot tolerate salt spray. They can tolerate frosts once mature. They can tolerate sun or shade. They need plenty of water at flowering and fruiting. Plants can tolerate drought. The soils need to be well drained.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Mayaguez, North America, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, South Africa, South America, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used in jams and jellies. The fruit can be frozen or dried and stored. Caution: The seeds should not be eaten as they cause diarrhoea.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Trees are normally grown from seed. Seedlings take 4-5 years to produce. They can be grafted. Cross pollination improves the fruit set.

Seedling trees take 4-5 years before fruiting. The fruit are ready 4-8 weeks after flowering.

Its other names

Local names

Carajeiro

Synonyms

Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaerskov, nom. illeg.; Eugenia itacolumensis O. Berg.; Luma lucidissima Herter; Myrtus aggregata Vell.; Phyllocalyx cerasiflorus O. Berg.; [Illegitimate]