Eugenia foetida, Eugenia buxifolia

Eugenia foetida (Spanish Stopper) is native to Florida and the West Indies and can be used for bonsai. This small tree can reach a height of 10-20 feet and requires full sun or semi-shade to thrive. Moderate water is all that is needed to keep it healthy. It produces white, off-white flowers that are also quite fragrant and attract butterflies and hummingbirds. It is also an ethnomedical plant because its fruit was used as a treatment for diarrhea. As a bonus, it is also quite tolerant to salt, so it can thrive in seaside locations. It is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11, so it will be perfect for those who live in colder regions.

When it comes to growing and maintaining this plant, it prefers moist, well-draining, soils and full sun or part shade. Prune it lightly in winter to encourage flower production. This evergreen plant looks best when kept slightly dry and should not be over-watered. During the winter, mulch will help keep the plant warm and can be used to help it tolerate the cold. To keep it in excellent condition, it will need regular fertilization with a balanced slow-release fertilizer. If necessary, prune it in summer to remove dead or damaged branches.

Eugenia luschnathiana, Phyllocalyx luschnathianus

USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map

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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.

Eugenia neonitida

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.

Eugenia pyriformis

Eugenia pyriformis (Uvaia) is a species of tree that is native to Brazil, sometimes referred to as "big tree/ tall tree". It is often grown as an ornamental tree as it can typically grow to be taller than 20 ft. When it comes to the growing requirements of this plant, Uvaia needs to be placed in areas that are exposed to full sun or semi-shade. It is important to water this tree regularly. It grows best in USDA Zone 9 to 11.

The Uvaia tree is a very special tree as it produces edible fruit. The fruit itself is sweet and aromatic with a tart taste. It is very commonly used for its juice, which is produced commercially in Brazil. In addition to the juice, the crushed leaves of this tree give off a spicy odor when crushed. Additionally, research suggests that the fruit has many health benefits and is considered to be a powerful remedy for certain ailments. It is known to contain high levels of Vitamin C and help in aiding digestion, improving heart health and providing a boost to the immune system.

Eugenia reinwardtiana

Can be used for bonsai and it make excellent seaside hedge or can be used in containers.

Eugenia reinwardtiana (Beach Cherry) is a native to Eastern Australia and can be grown in USDA Zone 9-11. It is a small shrub or tree, 5-10 ft tall, with full sun to semi-shade requirements and regular to moderate water. Its beautiful, white and off-white flowers are typical to lilly pillies and are truly a sight to behold. Not only is it aesthetically pleasing, but it is also an edible plant with small red fruits that are deliciously sweet and have soft pulp.

When grown properly and in the right conditions, a single plant can produce hundreds of fruits. With a healthy balance of vitamins, minerals, fibers and antioxidants, these fruits can provide a wide range of health benefits and can be used to make many delicious dishes.

When planting outside, it is best to give the beach cherry plenty of room to grow and spread. However, it can also be grown in pots in cold regions, but it will require more frequent watering. For container-grown plants, be sure to watch for signs of overwatering.

When caring for a beach cherry, it is important to also provide it with basic needs for optimal growth such as adequate sunlight, well-draining soil, and protection from extreme weather conditions. Since this plant is salt-tolerant, it can be planted near the sea, making it an ideal choice for a seaside hedge. The beach cherry can also be used for bonsai and can provide a beautiful addition to your garden.

Overall, the beach cherry is an excellent choice for a backyard garden, offering beautiful flowers and fruits which can provide many health benefits. It is important to provide the plant with the right care to ensure that it can produce the best fruits and give you a rewarding experience with your garden.

Eugenia rhombea

Eugenia rhombea, commonly known in Florida as "Red Stopper", is one of four species of Eugenia native to North America. It is a beautiful small tree, bearing small shiny deep green leaves which are pinkish-orange-red when young, giving them the appearance of a flowering tree at a distance when flushing out new growth a number of times a year.

Its native range includes Florida, Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola and part of Eastern Central America. However, here in Florida, it is federally listed as an endangered species, only known from the lowermost Everglades and Keys, where even there it is rare.

These elegant little trees grow to perhaps 12 or so feet tall, developing an elegant, umbrella shaped canopy. At a distance, they rather resemble Ficus benjamina, yet with a more orderly and refined appearance. In addition, they develop fluffy white flowers with a delightful fragrance, followed by holly-like long lasting red berries which are relished by wonderful song birds.

Although appearing delicate, this tropical species is surprisingly hardy, and would likely even make striking, a one-of-a-kind houseplant in the North.

See Article about Eugenia rhombea.

Eugenia sp.

Rare exotic fruit tree from Mexico. Medium size tree. Large leathery leaves. Fruit develop in bunches.

Eugenia stipitata

Araza is a tropical shrub or small tree that can reach a height of up to 15 feet with drooping branches and fine foliage. It blooms in the summer with large, showy white flowers that are followed by 2 inch wide, bright-yellow fruits which have an excellent sour-acid flavor and are very fragrant. Fruit are very juicy, with a strong fruity aroma, usually ripening by Fall. Fruit are soft, fragile and don't ship well, so the only way to enjoy them is to grow your own plant. These fruits contain a high amount of vitamin C, much more than the average orange. They can be eaten raw, although their acidic taste means they are more commonly used to flavor ice cream, sweets and beverages.

Araza is known to be quite sensitive to the cold and this is reflected in the USDA Zones where it can be grown. It does its best in Zones 9 to 11, where a warm and humid environment will guarantee healthy growth and a hefty crop of tart, juicy fruit. Moderate watering is required to avoid root and leaf problems, with full sun to semi-shade being the optimal conditions for fruitful production.

As well as its culinary uses, Araza possesses incredible medical benefits. Compounds isolated from its fruits are known to possess antioxidant, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorensic properties.

Araza is quite a rare plant in cultivation, and its soft and fragile fruits pose a problem when it comes to shipping. The best way to experience this beautiful and unusual fruit is to grow your own.

Eugenia tinifolia

A bushy shrub or small tree reaching 6-7 m high, trunk 20-30cm in diameter. Berry globose or ellipsoid, 10-20mm long, tomentose.

Eugenia uniflora, Eugenia michelii

The Surinam cherry is the easiest to grow of all edible Eugenias and an excellent fresh fruit. The native range of this small tree or bush extends from Surinam through Uruguay. It is very popular in Southern landscaping for its red-colored new foliage against the dark green of older leaves along with its red to black, ribbed fruits. The plant blooms profusely at the end of the spring, and then, occasionally the rest of the year. Fruit develop and ripen in just 3 weeks from flowering. They are deeply 8-ribbed and usually about 1 inch in diameter, although plants bearing fruits nearly 2 inches in diameter have been reported. The juicy sweet-acid pulp encloses a fairly large seed.

The fruit can be excellent or only fair, depending on the variety. The deep red, almost black fruited varieties produce sweeter fruit without that tart aftertaste that is specific for Surinam Cherry. The fruit can be eaten fresh, used to make pies, jellies and jams. The pulp is a good source of calcium, and a fair source of phosphorus and iron. In Brazil, the juice is fermented into wine or vinegar.

Propagation is almost always by seed, however superior varieties can be grafted. Red type and black type forms usually come true to seed. Surinam Cherry is an excellent choice for a hedge with regular trimming, or as a pretty specimen tree; the plant will be happy growing in a pot as well. Cold hardy (to lower 20's for mature plants) and undemanding, it grows well under minimum care providing irrigation which is especially important for young plants; established plants are drought tolerant. If left untrimmed, the bush growing in the ground eventually may reach 15' tall and 15' wide. In small yards, the tree can be cut back hard if it becomes too large; it will form a the bushy shape in no time. This tropical plant can successfully be grown in a pot indoors in the cooler zones. Indoors, misting of the plants is helpful in winter.

See video about this plant.