Hortiforum

General Info – Cireulas, Monos Plum

An exceptionally rare and collectible tropical fruit tree, Cireulas, also known as Monos Plum, is a unique and interesting shrub native to the Carribean and Northwest South America.
It shares a close botanical connection with Eugenia, often being regarded as a part of the Eugenia genus. Despite being seldom cultivated and mainly harvested from the wild, the Cireulas boasts numerous positive characteristics for the home gardener. Mature trees exhibit resilience to light frosts, thrive in sandy soils, tolerate alkalinity, and flourish in partial shade. While they prefer abundant year-round rainfall, they display moderate drought tolerance. Cireulas have a relatively slow growth rate, yet they can commence fruiting as early as three years old.
The fruits of Cireulas are akin in size and appearance to a small Plum, maturing into a striking vibrant yellow hue. These fruits possess a sweet and juicy tropical flavor, accompanied by highly aromatic flesh beneath their thin, golden skin. In line with numerous other members of the Eugenia genus, Cireulas’ fruits are rich in vitamins, notably high in Vitamin A and C. Cireulas are reported to bear fruit twice a year and can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into a variety of preserves.
Though challenging to obtain, the Cireulas stands as an exceptional collector’s item deserving of wider recognition. These evergreen shrubs typically stay compact, seldom exceeding 5 metres in height, making them an excellent choice for limited spaces or container cultivation. Similar to their close relatives in the Eugenia genus, Cireulas feature small, glossy green curved leaves and produce typical white flowers with prominent, elongated stamens. This flowering spectacle adds to the overall beauty of the tree.
Being resilient to a range of challenging conditions with an appealing aesthetic and interesting fruit, the Monos Plum proves to be a delectable niche option well worth cultivating for those fortunate enough to acquire it.

Plant Profile/Properties