Ivai
Eugenia myrcianthes

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A small tree. It grows 4-6 m high. The crown is flat with spreading branches. The trunk is short and 20-30 cm across. The leaves are thin and simple. They are hairy over the veins. The leave are 3-5 cm long and 2.3 cm wide. The flowers are in groups in the axils of leaves. The flowers are white. The fruit is orange-yellow. The pulp is juicy and acid.

Where it is found

A subtropical plant. In Brazil it grows in open formations along the coast. In Argentina it grows below 500 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Indonesia, Paraguay, SE Asia, South America, Uruguay

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh. They are also used for jams, jellies and juices. They are also used to make vinegar.

It is sometimes cultivated for its fruit.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and the seeds removed under running water. They are dried in the shade. Fresh seed are planted and germinate in 30-50 days.

Plants have a moderate growth rate.

Its other names

Local names

Cereheira-do-rio-grande, Cereja-do-rio-grande, Iba-jayi, Ibajai, Igua-jay, Ocorocillo, Passeguiero-do-moto, Pessego-do-mato, Pohon persik gunung, Ubajai, Ubajay

Synonyms

Calomyrtus excelsa (Cambess.) Blume; Campomanesia cagaiteira Kiaersk.; Eugenia edulis (O. Berg.) Benth. & Hook.f. ex Griseb. [Illegitimate]; Eugenia montevidensis Mattos; Hexachlamys edulis (O. Berg) Kausel & D. Legrand; Hexachlamys excelsa (Cambess.) Mattis; Luma grisebachii Herter; Luma myrcianthes (Nied.) Herter; Myrcianthes edulis O. Berg; Myrcia gemmiflora O. Berg; Myrcia sparsifolia Barb.Rodr.; Myrcianthes edulis Barb.Rodr.; Myrtus excelsa Cambess.; Psidium amygdalinum Hook. & Arn.;