Myrtaceae - Botanical Family | Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

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.

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.

Learn more: Surinam Cherry Lolita and Bermuda Christmas Pie

Eugenia victoriana

Eugenia victoriana, also known as Sundrop, is a rare shrub or small tree that grows up to 10 feet tall. It has drooping branches and fine elliptical leaves with sunken veins, and produces clusters of white flowers. The fruit of Sundrop is sour and is often used to make juice or flavor liquor in Colombia. Fruit is large, about 3 to 4 inches in diameter, with a thin, shiny orange skin and 2 to 4 seeds per fruit. Sundrop is a good source of vitamin C and is rich in antioxidants, copper, magnesium, and vitamin C, which may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support skin health.

To grow Sundrop successfully in USDA Zones 10-11, it is best to plant it in acid soil that is moist and has high organic content. Sundrop is fairly compact and can be grown in a container, but it is sensitive to frost and may need to be protected or brought indoors in cold regions. No pruning is required for this fruit tree, but it should be placed in a bright, sunny area with temperatures above 55F. Eating Sundrop fruit can provide numerous health benefits. The fruit is loaded with antioxidants, copper, magnesium and vitamin C.

Feijoa sellowiana, Acca sellowiana

If you're looking for an attractive shrub with beautiful flowers and delicious fruit, you might try the Feijoa - a slow-growing evergreen shrub that can reach 15 ft high and 15 ft wide. In addition to the fruit it provides, the shrub also valued as a landscape specimen. The stiff shiny green leaves are lighter underneath and very showy flowers are produced from from April through June. They have long, scarlet stamens topped with large grains of yellow pollen. Petals are white tinged with purple on the inside, they are mildly sweet and edible and can make a refreshing addition to spring salads. Birds eating the petals pollinate the flowers along with bees - the chief pollinators. Once pollinated, fruits develop quickly. They range from 1 to 3 inches long and vary in shape from round to elongated pear shape. The waxy skin is dull blue-green, sometimes with a red or orange blush. The fruit emits a strong long-lasting perfume, even before it is fully ripe. The thick, white, granular, watery flesh and the translucent central pulp enclosing the seeds are sweet or subacid, suggesting a combination of pineapple and guava or pineapple and strawberry. When mature, the fruit drops from the plant, making harvesting easy if you don't have other plantings beneath these. Usually, the fruit season is August through October. The fruit can be used fresh, but it also makes an excellent jelly; fresh fruit blended with sugar has a ver aromatic wild strawberry flavor. The fruit is occasionally seen in the supermarkets, mainly imported from California, where it is grown commercially.

Feijoa prefers cool winters and moderate summers (80 to 90 F), it is cold hardy and will take down to 14 F without serious damage. Flower production is poor in areas with fewer than 50 hours of chilling. The flavor of the fruit is much better in cool than in warm regions. Salt tolerance is very good.

Plants grow well in a wide variety of soil types, but prefer slightly acidic conditions. When planted close together, the Feijoa shrubs make a nice hedge, screen, or windbreak.

See the article about Feijoa sellowiana.