Hortiforum

General Info – Brazilian Cherry, Surinam Cherry, Pitanga, Cayenne Cherry

A highly ornamental, self-pollinating Eugenia boasting stunning coppery new growth, the Brazilian Cherry is an exceptional choice for an ornamental yet edible hedge in subtropical and tropical climates. Seedling trees exhibit considerable variation in flavour and quality due to their semi-wild nature, presenting varying levels of sweetness, tartness, and resinous notes. The common Red Brazilian Cherry offers a sweet-tart flavour akin to a blend of Cherry and Capsicum, while the Black variety is notably sweeter with less resinous undertones. To ensure maximum sweetness and a reduced resinous flavour, it’s advisable to let the juicy, aromatic fruits ripen completely. Brazilian Cherries are perfect as a snacking fruit but are also widely used in jams, pies, or juices. The attractive, pumpkin-shaped berries, adorned with ribs, are often sought after by birds and can become invasive in favourable climates. In such situations, consider netting the trees to protect the native environment. However, it’s crucial to note that the seeds are not edible for humans.
Beyond its culinary attributes, the Brazilian Cherry holds equal value as an ornamental species, much like other members of the Myrtaceae family such as Jaboticaba and Cherry of the Rio Grande. The lush, glossy dark green leaves of the Brazilian Cherry contribute to its aesthetic appeal, especially when new growth showcases a vibrant, coppery hue. Typical of all Eugenia genus, the flowers of the Brazilian Cherry are decorative, with an abundance of four-petalled white flowers with a multitude of prominent white stamens. Owing to their dense canopy and growth form when provided full sun, Brazilian Cherry plants make for superb edible hedges, easily maintained at a height between 2-3 metres to provide screening while allowing convenient access to fruits. This species is a simple yet elegant beauty, with attractive foliage, form, and flowers.
The Brazilian Cherry has a broad native range along South America’s east coast, spanning from the tropics of Suriname to the subtropics of Argentina, commonly found in thickets and stream banks. This wide range of native conditions renders it a highly tolerant and adaptable plant, capable of thriving in varying climates, temperatures, shades, and soil qualities.
The Brazilian Cherry can be grown in both full sun and part shade positions and is reasonably cold hardy, tolerating up to -3 degrees for brief periods, making it suited for warm temperate climates, especially with some protection. It should be noted that in borderline cooler temperate climates, it may tolerate temperatures but not flower and fruit. These deep-rooted plants are drought-tolerant, accustomed to dry seasons in their native habitats, but are equally accepting of consistent year-round rainfall. With its wide cultivable range, attractive year-round form and foliage and juicy, ribbed berries, the Brazillian Cherry provides many benefits with few compromises for growers.

Plant Profile/Properties