Eugenia neonitida

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Pitangatuba - native of Rio de Janeiro. It looks like a giant yellow cherry. The taste, however, is nothing bitter, and resembles that of Uvaia (Eugenia pyriformis). Great potential for pulp production, is much richer in vitamins and minerals than other cherries. Until recently is was almost unknown to the fruit growers. In its natural habitat, is a compact shrub, from 4 to 6 ft. Its trunk has a rough outer shell, it gives off in plates. The leaves are leathery, dark green on the upper surface and lighter on the bottom. The ribs are well printed on top. Very slow growing, but can be quick to flower. 2-3 year old plants can flower and fruit when barely a foot tall. Foliage and flowers have similarities to the Eugenia uniflora and the shrub makes an attractive ornamental.

Bright yellow fruit is oblong, 2-3" size, like a giant cherry, thick pulp, acidic and very juicy and aromatic. Flavor is pleasant, making it sweeter when grown in full sun.

Tolerant to salt wind conditions. Excellent container plant.

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 luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus (Pitomba)
• Eugenia pyriformis (Uvaia, Uvalha, Uvaia-do-mato, Uvaieira)
• Eugenia reinwardtiana (Beach Cherry, Cedar Bay Cherry)
• Eugenia rhombea (Red Stopper)
• Eugenia sp. (Eugenia)