Grumichama, Brazil-cherry
Eugenia brasiliensis

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A tree up to 15 m tall. It is a small compact tree. It is smaller in cooler areas (6m). The bark is grey. It has glossy leaves. They are opposite and oval to oblong. The leaves are 8-10 cm long and 3-5 cm wide. New leaves are a wine red colour. The leaf stalks are 3-4 mm long. It has small white flowers. The flowers occur singly in the axils of leaves. They are 2.5 cm wide. Clusters of fruit hang down on long stems. The fruit are round and dark purple. They can also be yellow. The flesh is soft. The fruit are 2-3 cm across and purplish black in colour. There is one large seed inside.

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 humid tropical and subtropical regions. It can grow in the lowlands and highlands. It can survive temperatures down to -3°C for short periods. It requires neutral soils as both acid and alkaline soils cause leaves to turn yellow due to mineral deficiencies. It requires plenty of moisture. Optimum rainfall is 1,200-2,500 mm. It cannot tolerate drought. Young plants benefit from shade until established. It suits hardiness zones 9-12.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Amazon, Angola, Asia, Australia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Cameroon, Central Africa, Central America, Costa Rica, Cuba, Fiji, Hawaii, Honduras, Indonesia, Jamaica, Mauritius, Mexico, New Zealand, North America, Pacific, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Sao Tome and Principe, SE Asia, Singapore, South America, Taiwan, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

Fruit can be eaten fresh when ripe. It is used for pies or jam when half ripe.

It is a cultivated tree. The fruit are popular.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are normally grown from seed. Seeds can remain viable for several weeks. Seedlings take 2-3 years to start flowering. Seeds take about one month to germinate. A spacing of 4 m between trees is suitable. Little pruning is necessary. Plants can also be grafted. Plants are best grown from vegetative cuttings to preserve fruit quality.

Trees take four or five years to start producing fruit. Fruit takes one month to mature after flowering. Fruit weigh 3-5 g.

Its other names

Local names

Amla, Aula, Cerisier de Brazil, Cumbixaba, Grumixaba, Grumixama, Grumixameira, Guamichama, Ibaporoti, Oula, Pohon jambu brazil, Sinaili

Synonyms

Eugenia bracteolaris Lam. ex DC.; Eugenia dombeyi (Sprengel) Skeels; [Illegitimate] Eugenia filipes Baill.; Eugenia ubensis Cambess; Myrtus dombeyi Spreng.; [Illegitimate] Myrtus grumixama Vell.; Stenocalyx brasiliensis (Lam.) O. Berg; Stenocalyx ubensis (Cambess.) O. Berg;