Eugenia leitonii
Family: Myrtaceae
What it is like
A tree. It grows 8-14 m tall. The crown is open. The trunk is 25-40 cm wide. The bark is smooth and orange-red and peels off. The leaves are thin and occur opposite. They are 9-17 cm long. The flowers are in an open group at the ends of the branches. They are small and white. The fruit is large and round. It is fleshy with a stone inside. It is yellow and has dark round seeds.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows in Brazil in the forest near the Atlantic.
Countries/locations it is found in
Brazil (country/location of origin), South America
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten fresh. They are also used for jellies.
The fruit are not popular.
Edible parts
Fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. Ripe fruit are harvested and the seed removed under running water. They are dried in the shade. They can only be stored for a short time. Fresh seed are planted and they germinate in 40-80 days. Seedlings are ready for planting out after 10-11 months.
Trees grown slowly. They may reach 2.5 m after 2 years.
Its other names
Local names
Araca-piranga, Aracandiva, Aracanduba, Aracatunga, Goiabao, Goiabarana