Eugenia Uniflora

Pitanga, Suriname Cherry, Brazilian Cherry, Cerisier Carre, Shimarucu

Description of Eugenia Uniflora

Eugenia uniflora is a large shrub or small tree with a conical form, growing slowly to 8 meters (26 ft) high. When bruised, crushed, or cut, the leaves and branches have a spicy resinous fragrance, which can cause respiratory discomfort in susceptible individuals. The leaves are without stipules, ovate, glossy, and held in opposite pairs. New leaves are bronze, copper, or coppery-pinkish in color, maturing to deep glossy green, up to 4 centimeters (1.6 in) long. During winter, the leaves turn red. Flowers have four white petals and are borne on long slender stalks, with a conspicuous central cluster of white stamens ending in yellow anthers. Flowers develop into ribbed fruits 2 to 4 centimeters (0.79 to 1.57 in) long, starting as green, then ranging through orange, scarlet, and maroon as they ripen. Because fruit-eating birds distribute the seeds, they can become a weed in suitable tropical and sub-tropical habitats, displacing native flora.

Last Modified: November 1, 2024 at 7:17:43 PM