A variable species, several distinct forms have been recognised.

Common Name: Uvaia

General Information

Eugenia pyriformis is an evergreen shrub or tree with a small, open crown; it can grow 5 - 15 metres tall. The erect bole can be 30 - 50cm in diameter[, , ].
The edible fruits are greatly appreciated in Brazil, where the plant is widely cultivated in home gardens and orchards, both for its fruit and as an ornamental tree[, , , ].
Eugenia pyriformis has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified. The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southern S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, southern, central and eastern Brazil.

Habitat

Open, semi-deciduous forests at moderate elevations and also in open Araucaria forests[, ].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of drier areas in the tropics and subtropics, where it is found at elevations from 300 - 1,500 metres. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 20 - 26°c, but can tolerate 15 - 30°c[]. Plants are tolerant of occasional light frosts[]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 450 - 600mm, but tolerates 300 - 800mm[].
Succeeds in full sun or part day shade[]. Adaptable to a range of soil types, but intolerant of alkaline soils[]. Prefers a well-drained soil[]. Prefers a pH in the range 6 - 7, tolerating 5 - 8[]. Prefers high levels of organic matter in the soil[]. Established plants are drought tolerant[].
A slow-growing plant, rarely reaching 2 metres tall after 2 years[].
Seedling plants can start producing fruit when 3 - 4 years old[].

Edible Uses

The fruit is edible[]. A pleasant aroma with a sweet but insipid flavour[, ]. The fruits have a thick, very succulent pulp with a sweet or acid flavour according to variety[, ]. It is eaten fresh, made into juices, jellies etc[, , ]. The fermented fruit makes a good quality vinegar[]. The yellow, aromatic fruit varies in shape from globose to pear-shaped, and in size from 4cm in diameter to 8cm long by 6cm wide[].

Medicinal

The plant is used medicinally[]. No more information
The fruit is given to patients with typhoid fever, where it acts as a coolant[]

Other Uses

The yellowish wood is of medium texture, moderately heavy, hard, very durable[, ]. It is only used locally for items such as fence posts and poles[]. It is used especially for rafters and small beams, tool handles and agricultural implements[].
The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal[].

Propagation

Seed - it has a viability of 60 days or less and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of around 40% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 40 days[]. Seedlings are quite slow to develop, but should be ready to plant out 10 - 11 months later[].

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