Eugenia luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus

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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.

Similar plants:

• Blepharocalyx salicifolius, Eugenia salicifolia (Murta)
• Eugenia aggregata, Eugenia involucrata (Cherry of the Rio Grande, Cere Jodo Rio Grande)
• Eugenia brasiliensis, Eugenia dombeyi (Grumichama)
• Eugenia confusa (Red Berry Stopper)
• Eugenia foetida, Eugenia buxifolia (Spanish Stopper, Boxleaf Stopper )
• Eugenia neonitida (Pitangatuba)
• Eugenia pyriformis (Uvaia, Uvalha, Uvaia-do-mato, Uvaieira)
• Eugenia reinwardtiana (Beach Cherry, Cedar Bay Cherry)
• Eugenia rhombea (Red Stopper)
• Eugenia sp. (Eugenia)