TROPICAL PLANT ENCYCLOPEDIA

Eugenia luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus, Pitomba

Eugenia luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus

Pitomba
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Brazil
USDA Zone: 9-11?
USDA Plant Hardiness MapSmall tree 10-20 ftFull sunModerate waterRegular waterWhite, off-white flowersEdible plant

Eugenia luschnathiana or Pitomba is a slow-growing plant that can reach 15-20 feet in height. It is an attractive ornamental plant with dark green leaves above and lighter green leaves underneath. The trunk is a beautiful light brown and tan color. Pitomba produces white and yellow flowers that are up to an inch and a half in diameter during the spring months. The fruit ripens 4-6 weeks after the flowers appear, with a fruiting season of May to July. The fruit is apricot-colored, round to pear-shaped, and has a soft, melting, juicy flesh with a highly aromatic slightly acidic flavor. It is similar in taste and color to an apricot and is rich in vitamin C. The fruit can be eaten fresh or used to make jelly and preserves.

Pitomba is suitable for container culture or as a dwarf fruit tree specimen. Seedlings take two or more years to begin fruiting. The plant grows well in a variety of soils, but performs best in acidic conditions .This small decorative tree is suitable for planting in USDA zones 9-11 and can be grown in a container in colder regions with proper care. Mature trees are very cold hardy and can withstand temperatures down to the upper 20s Fahrenheit. However, young plants are more sensitive and need to be protected from frost. Pitomba grows best in full sun and requires regular watering and moderate fertilization. It can produce up to 5-7 pounds of edible fruit per tree.

The pitomba fruit offers many health benefits due to its high content of vitamin C and minerals. It also contains dietary fiber and is low in cholesterol and sodium. The pulp of the fruit can be used to make jams, jellies, and juices, as well as being eaten fresh. The seeds, leaves, and bark have traditionally been used in Brazil to treat colds, fevers, and stomach problems.


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Link to this plant:
https://toptropicals.com/catalog/uid/eugenia_luschnathiana.htm

Eugenia luschnathiana - Pitomba

Pitomba is the most slow growing of all Eugenias. Fruit ripens in 4-6 weeks. Fruiting season is May-July, sometimes there is also a light Fall crop. The apricot-color, round to pear shaped fruit has soft, melting, juicy flesh with a highly aromatic slightly acid flavor. Not only color, but also taste is comparable to an apricot. The fruit is rich in vitamin C. They are good eaten fresh or made into jelly and preserves. Being very slow growing, the plant is suitable for container culture (fruit quite well in seven-to-ten-gallon-sized containers) or as a dwarf fruit tree specimen. Mature trees are quite cold hardy and take down to upper 20's F, young plants are more sensitive and need to be protected in case of frost.

Recommended Fertilizer: SUNSHINE C-Cibus - Crop Nutrition Booster
SUNSHINE-Honey - sugar booster

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This item is certified for shipping to California, Texas, Louisiana.
Grown in
10"/3 gal pot
In stock
$69.95