EUGENIA UNIFLORA

Botanical Name: Eugenia uniflora
Common Names: Surinam Cherry, Pitanga, Brazilian Cherry
Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates sandy, loamy, and slightly acidic substrates
Water Needs: Moderate; becomes drought-tolerant once established
Foliage: Shiny, dark green evergreen leaves with coppery red new growth; aromatic when crushed
Flowers: Small, fragrant white flowers; bloom in spring and early summer
Fruit: Edible, ribbed red to dark purple berries; sweet-tart flavor
Growth Rate: Moderate

Uses:

Ornamental Plant:
Eugenia uniflora is admired for its glossy foliage, striking new growth, and edible fruit, making it a beautiful and functional choice for edible landscapes, tropical gardens, and hedges.

Edible Landscaping:
Its attractive appearance and flavorful berries make it ideal for gardens where beauty and food production go hand in hand.

Privacy Hedge or Screen:
Its dense growth and adaptability to pruning allow it to be shaped into informal screens or natural hedges.

Benefits:

Edible Fruit: Produces abundant, vitamin-rich berries that are attractive to humans and wildlife alike.

Year-Round Greenery: Evergreen habit ensures constant visual interest and shelter for birds.

Low Maintenance: Tolerates pruning, heat, and occasional drought; pest-resistant once established.

Pollinator-Friendly: Fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators in spring.

Versatile Form: Can be grown as a small tree, shrub, or hedge depending on pruning style and space.

Eugenia uniflora is a vibrant and productive evergreen that blends ornamental beauty with edible value. Its glossy foliage, seasonal flowers, and flavorful fruits make it an ideal choice for sustainable, multifunctional gardens in tropical, subtropical, and Mediterranean climates.