Accession Count: 2
Common Name:
Surinam cherry; pitanga
Family Name:
Myrtaceae
Botanical Name:
Eugenia uniflora
Sub Species:
Variety:
Forma:
Cultivar:
Characteristics:
Eugenia uniflora is a tropical shrub or small tree that grows up
to 25 feet in height, with approximately an equal spread. This plant naturally exhibits
an upright, spreading form with slender, thorn-free branches that emit a
resinous aroma, especially when cut (1,2). Its evergreen leaves, measuring 1½-2½
inches long by ½-¾ wide, are opposite in configuration and ovate or ovate-lanceolate
in shape with smooth edges. They are also bronze-colored when young, becoming
dark green and glossy with age (1,2,3). The plant typically blooms profusely in
the spring with one to four fragrant white long-stalked flowers per leaf axil (1,3).
The flowers, rich in pollen but having little or no nectar, display four white
petals and measure approximately ½ inch across, resembling tiny brushes due to
the number of stamens (50-60) on each flower (1,3,4). Flowers are followed by juicy,
thin-skinned fruit, measuring about 1½ inches in diameter and having seven or
eight ribs. This gives the fruit the appearance of tiny pumpkins, the source of
the plant’s name in Hawai’i: pumpkin cherry (3). The fruit, which is not a true
cherry, contains one to three resinous seeds and ripens within three weeks of
flowering. The fruit changes in color from green to yellow to orange to red and
ultimately to deep purple, when it is sweetest (1,3). A second blooming may
occur later in the year, yielding a second crop of fruit in late fall. In
tropical regions where rainfall is plenty, the plant may fruit year-round (3).
Compound:
Eug uni
Geographic Origin:
South America
Ecozone Origin:
Neotrophic
Biome Origin:
Natural History:
The natural range of Eugenia uniflora covers much of eastern
South America, extending from Guyana, Suriname and French Guiana through Brazil
to Uruguay (1). In elevation it ranges from sea level to as high as 5000 feet
in tropical regions (3). The first botanic description of this tree was derived from a plant growing in Pisa, Italy which is believed to have been brought by Portuguese sailors from India (1).
The plant has been introduced and become naturalized in other parts of South
America, along the Atlantic coast of Central America, and on some islands of
the West Indies (1). It is grown in Hawaii, Samoa, the Philippines, China,
India, and Sri Lanka, as well as along the African and European coasts of the
Mediterranean (1). It is considered invasive in Bermuda, Australia, and Hawaii
(2,5,6). It was introduced in Florida before 1931 and is listed as Category I
on the Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council’s List of Invasive Plant Species (6,7).
It is generally spread by animal (bird) dispersed seeds (2,8).
Cultivation Notes:
Eugenia uniflora is easily grown, highly adaptable, and requires little maintenance. It does best in a moist, sheltered environment (4). The plant is generally propagated from seeds, which are viable for only about a month and take three to four weeks to germinate; it has also been successfully grafted and even air-layered (1,3). Volunteer seedlings can be transplanted as well (1,3). Seedlings start slowly; fruiting may begin as early as two years, but may take longer in unfavorable locations (1). The plant is tolerant of most soils, if well-drained, but has a low tolerance for salt (1,3,9). For highest fruit yield, the plant should be untrimmed, although it can still produce many fruits even when trimmed as a hedge (1). Regular, even daily, watering encourages larger and sweeter fruit (1,3). The plant does well with mulching and quarterly applications of fertilizer (3). With its spreading, often multi-stemmed form, it can be trained as a small specimen tree or as a standard; when planted closely together, multiple plants can be sheared into an excellent hedge or security screen (9). It can also be planted in containers or in above-ground planters, but should be brought indoors or protected in cold weather as its leaves become red when exposed to cold temperatures (1,9). Once established, the plant is quite drought tolerant and can survive on rainfall alone (1). This tree is a host for Caribbean and Mediterranean fruit flies and may be attacked by scale bugs and caterpillars (1). Twig dieback, root rot, leaf spot, thread blight and anthracnose have also been reported in connection with the plant, but these problems can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays with proper tree care (1,3).
Ethnobotany:
In addition to being used as an ornamental plant, Eugenia uniflora has provided many benefits to humans and has been used in a variety of ways. Its fruits can be eaten straight from the tree and are very juicy and sweet when ripe, containing high amounts of vitamin C and other nutrients (1,3,8,9). The fruits are also a good source of anti-oxidants (3). The seeds however, can give the fruit a resinous taste. The resinous taste can be removed by extracting the seeds and chilling the fruit in the refrigerator for a few hours (1). The fruits are frequently used to make a variety of desserts, syrups, jams, jellies, relishes and pickles. Brazilians ferment the juice to make vinegar, wine, or distilled liquor (1). The leaves are sometimes used to cover the floors of Brazilian homes, releasing a pungent aroma when walked upon, which is said to repel flies (1). The leaves, which are a good source of a variety of essential oils, are sometimes steeped to make infusions used as astringents and to treat fevers and digestive problems (1). Tannins from the bark can be used to tan leather (1).
Height:
16 - 20 feet
Width:
11 - 15 feet
Growth Rate:
Slow Growing
Grow Season:
Summer
Flower Season:
Spring
Color:
White
Function:
Screen
Spread:
Spreading
Allergen:
Non-allergenic
Invasive:
Invasive
Toxicity:
Hardy:
Semi-hardy
Water Use:
Moderate Water Use
Citations:
1. Morton, J. (1987), “Surinam Cherry,”
in Fruits of Warm Climates. Center
for New Crops & Crop Products, Purdue University. Accessed May 17, 2015.
2. "Surinam Cherry, (Eugenia uniflora)," Department of Conservation Services, Ministry of Health, Seniors and
Environment, Government of Bermuda. Accessed May 17, 2015.
3. "Surinam Cherry," College of Tropical Agriculture
and Human Resources, University of Hawai’i at Manoa. Accessed May 17, 2015.
4. Brenzel, K., ed. (1998). Sunset Western Garden Book. Sunset
Publishing Corporation.
5. “Brazilian Cherry,” Australian Weeds Committee. Accessed May 17, 2015.
6. "Eugenia uniflora," Florida Exotic Pest Plant Council. Accessed May 17, 2015.
7. "Surinam Cherry," Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Accessed May 17,
2015.
8. "Eugenia uniflora," National Tropical Botanical Garden. Accessed May 17, 2015.
9. Gilman, E. (Oct. 1999), “Eugenia uniflora, Surinam Cherry,” University
of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed May 17, 2015.
