Blepharocalyx salicifolious
Eucalyptus Berry
Blepharocalyx salicifolious
Blepharocalyx salicifolius (Anacahuita) is a species within the Myrtaceae family that has a wide distribution throughout South America. It can be found from Ecuador down to Argentina. In its Native range it has the potential to grow up to 30m high. Although, being out of it’s native range, it is possible that it may not get to that height. The plant appears as if it will lend itself pretty well to being pruned or hedged as it flowers on new growth. The flowers are profuse and will eventually result in a sweet eucalyptus-y flavored red berry. Some people would refer to the fruit as “bird food” due to the small size and moderate seed to flesh ratio, although it is enjoyable and has potential as it is a distinct and delightful flavor. B. salicifolius appears to be quite cold hardy as the mother plant has been grown in Los Gatos and Santa Cruz, California and experienced frost events with little to no damage.
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Blepharocalyx salicifolius
Common Name / Native Name: Anacahuita
Range: Brazil to Argentina
Sun: Full sun/ Part shade
Height: 90 feet in native range, undetermined outside native range
Width: 30+ feet in native range, undetermined outside native range
Foliage: Bright red new growth to dark green, lanceolate leaves
Flower: White, large, myrtaceous flower
Fruit: A small deep red fruit with a seed in the center
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidity but doesn’t seem to be majorly affected by high pH soil.
USDA Climate Zones: 9b+, with potential to 9a
Cold Hardiness: Survived frosts to high 20’s for brief amounts of time, no tip die back.
Edibility: Delicious fruit, good for eating out of hand and to be used in preserves or other creative applications.
Age to Maturity: 4+ years
Sources:
http://www.plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:591309-1