Natal myrtle, Natal eugenia, Forest myrtle
Eugenia capensis subsp. natalitia

Family: Myrtaceae

What it is like

A shrub or tree which can reach 8 m tall. It has spreading branches. The trunk is smooth and cream coloured. The leaves are dark green and leathery. The leaves have a sweet smell. The young leaves are soft and light pink. The leaves are shiny and grow opposite one another along the branch. The leaves are a duller green underneath. They are 2.5-8 cm long and 1.3-3.8 cm wide. They are oval in shape but taper towards each end. The edge of the leaf does not have teeth but it is often rolled inwards and wavy. The midrib is easily visible and is sunken on the top of the leaf and raised under the leaf. The side veins are indistinct. The leaf stalk is grooved along its length. The flowers are white and fluffy. They are on slender stalks either near the leaves or on old wood. The fruit is round and 0.8-1.3 cm across. At the end of the fruit the flower continues like a crown. The fruit has a large round stone. The fruit flesh is edible.

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

Where it is found

It occurs in South Africa mostly on dunes and in coastal areas. It can occur on the edges of forests. In Brisbane Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, East Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, South Africa, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The fruit is eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

It can be grown as a hedge.

In the southern hemisphere flowering is about October to December.

Its other names

Local names

Bosmirt, Ijobe, Inchitsamuti, Lijobe, Lijoye, Mutulumembe, Tinkelenkele, Tshitawatawane, Tshitulumembe

Synonyms

Eugenia natalitia Sond.; Eugenia rudatisii Engl. & Brehmer;