Brazil Cherry (Eugenia uniflora)

Family: Myrtaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Eugenia uniflora, the Brazilian Cherry is a small tree/large bush with an oval, vase form growing to 7m high. Branches often develop close to the ground. The branches are thin and wiry. It has attractive dark green and shiny oval and pointed leaves about 2.5-6 cm long by 1.5-3 cm wide. New leaves are dark purple or red. Flowers are small and white and the fruit is lobed and red with a single large seed inside.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

delicious when eaten raw, and can also be made into jams, jellies, pies, juices, sherbets etc . — The ripe fruit is eaten fresh.; It can be cooked or used for jams and other products.; The leaves are used as a substitute for tea.; Unripe fruits can be used to make relishes and chutneys.

Habitat & North American Range

Light sandy stream banks . Limestone thickets in lowland areas . Semi-deciduous forests and also on coastal levees . (Zone 10)