Hortiforum

General Info – Ubajay, Pessego Do Mato, Uvaia do Campo

With their large, juicy fruits, thin skin, and succulent orange pulp, the Ubaya is an excellent and rare tropical fruit for those wanting to try new flavours. The fruit offers a pleasantly sweet and slightly tart taste, similar to other Eugenia varieties, as well as Peaches and Pineapples. However, this flavour can be polarising, with some people detecting a distinct garlic-like undertone. Many individuals either don’t notice this flavour or find that their specimens lack it, while others suggest it only emerges in overripe fruits, and that slightly underripe ones are free of it. Ubajay fruits are delightful when eaten fresh but are also perfect for juicing or preserving as jams and jellies. A member of the Eugenia genus, along with Brazilian Cherry, Grumichama, Pitomba, and Pitangatuba, the Ubajay produces some of the largest fruits in this genus, similar to the Araçá. Although not commonly noted, some report a mild laxative effect from consuming the fruit.
Native to the subtropical regions of South America, the Ubajay is found across Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Bolivia. Despite their subtropical origins, they exhibit impressive cold tolerance, withstanding temperatures as low as -7°C, and possibly even lower. Once established, the plants are drought-tolerant, though they can be somewhat sensitive when young. While not widely cultivated, they are common in their native habitat and can be relatively quick to fruit.
Ubajay trees form dense, branched structures with dark, smooth bark, which sets them apart from other Myrtaceae species that typically feature distinctive, attractive peeling bark. Mature trees usually reach an average height of 4–8 metres. Their simple foliage is both evergreen and deciduous, with the tree likely shedding leaves in parts of its native range that experience distinct dry seasons, such as the Brazilian Cerrado, where it is found. The tree blooms in early spring, producing typical Myrtaceae flowers—striking white blooms with prominent white stamens.

Plant Profile/Properties