There is some doubt over the correct name for the species described here. The reference to edible fruit refers to Eugenia aggregata, a synonym of Eugenia cerasiflora. However, another report from [] says that Eugenia aggregata is sometimes mistakenly used for Eugenia involucrata[].

Common Name: Cherry of the Rio Grande

General Information

Cherry of the Rio Grande is an evergreen shrub or small tree with an elongated crown growing 6 - 20 metres tall. The straight, cylindrical bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[].
The edible fruit is gathered from the wild for local use. The plant is sometimes grown in the home garden, especially in Brazil, both as an ornamental and for its fruit[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. America - south and east Brazil.

Habitat

Dense, humid, Atlantic rain forest, usually in secondary formations on valley bottoms and low slopes where the soil is deep and drainage slow[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	5.00 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in tropical and subtropical climates[]. Mature plants can tolerate occasional temperatures as low as -6°c[].
Succeeds in full sun or part day shade[]. Adaptable to a range of soil types, but intolerant of alkaline soils[]. Prefers high levels of organic matter in the soil[]. Plants dislike drought[].
A fast-growing tree[].
Plants can commence flowering and fruiting when 5 years old from seed[].
Flowers and fruit are produced mainly on new growth[].
Plants are at least partially self-fertile, but cross-pollination increases yields[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or used in jams and jellies[]. The reddish-purple fruit is juicy with a firm texture and a pleasant subacid flavour[]. A pleasant and tasty sweet cherry flavour[]. The fruit is up to 25mm long[]. Rich in pectin[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

A fast-growing plant, tolerant of full sun and providing food for humans and the native fauna, it can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland and also when establishing a woodland garden[].

Other Uses

The wood is of medium texture, irregular grain, moderately heavy, hard, with a low susceptibility to wood eating organisms[]. It is only used for lower quality items such as tool handles and boards[].
The wood is used for fuel[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a short viability and is best sown as soon as it is ripe[]. Sow in a semi-shaded position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate of around 70% can be expected, with the seeds sprouting within 60 - 70 days[].
Grafting

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