The Brazil cherry, also known as Surinam cherry or pitanga, thrives in a variety of climates and altitudes. It is adaptable to different environmental conditions and can tolerate drought, shade, wind, salt spray, and frosts down to -2°C.
Brazil cherry
Eugenia uniflora, also known as Brazil cherry, Surinam cherry, or pitanga, is a native South American evergreen shrub to small tree. It is a useful fruiting hedge species, tolerant of drought, shade, wind, salt spray, and frosts. The plant bears fruit in its third or fourth year, ripening a few weeks after flowering, and is known for its nutritional composition and aromatic leaves.
Eugenia uniflora
Brazil
Other Relevant Information: - The Brazil cherry is known for its medicinal properties and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea, inflammation, and respiratory problems. - The fruit is rich in antioxidants, particularly vitamin C, which helps boost the immune system and fight against free radicals. - The Brazil cherry is a popular ingredient in jams, jellies, and desserts due to its tangy and sweet flavor. - The plant is also valued for its ornamental qualities, with attractive shiny leaves and clusters of small, bright red fruits. - In addition to its culinary uses, the Brazil cherry is also used as a natural dye, producing a vibrant red color. - The plant is known to attract birds and butterflies, making it a favorite in gardens and landscapes.
Well-drained soil.
This native South American evergreen shrub to small tree (up to 3.5 m) is a useful fruiting hedge species. It is tolerant of drought, shade, wind, salt spray and frosts to - 2°C.
It usually takes about twenty years to reach full height but often bears fruit in its third or fourth year. The fruit ripens a few weeks after flowering. It often bears two crops a year in warmer climates.
Nutritional composition of the pitanga per 100 grams of edible portion is: Water - 85.8%, Energy - 51 calories, Carbohydrate - 12.5 g, Fat - 0.4 g, Protein - 0.8 g, Ash - 0.5 g, Calcium - 9 mg, Iron - 0.2 mg, Phosphorous - 11 mg, Vitamin A - 1500 I.U., Thiamin - 0.03 mg, Ribofla-vin - 0.04 mg, Niacin - 0.3 mg, Ascorbic acid - 30 mgs.
In Brazil the leaves are spread on the floor and release an aroma when walked on which repels flies. The bark is rich in tannin and is used for tanning leather. The seeds are toxic.
It can be propagated from seed and cuttings.