Eugenia calycina
Savannah Cherry
Eugenia calycina
Eugenia calycina, Savannah Cherry, is a delicious tropical cherry that is closely related to E. involucrata and is even disputed to be the same species! The two plants have slightly different characteristics, with E. calycina having larger fruit and a firmer flesh that carries more of the dark purple pigment. Savannah cherry is a reliable producer and would be a great addition to the sub-tropical and mediterranean garden for a long season of delicious cherry like fruits.
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Eugenia calycina
Common Name / Native Name: Savannah Cherry
Range: Bolivia to Brazil
Sun: Full sun/ Part shade
Height:15 + feet
Width: 10 + feet
Foliage: Deep green lanceolate leaves that flush with light lime green leaves
Flower: A large white Myrtaceous flower with a faint scent
Fruit: A medium sized fruit with deep red/purple coloration throughout.
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidity but thrives in alkaline soils
USDA Climate Zones: 9b +
Cold Hardiness: Has survived multiple frosts
Edibility: The fruit is commonly eaten out of hand in the wild but can also be processed into preserves. It has a firmer flesh than it’s relative E. involucrata, but still has that resinous, delicious, cherry flavor.
Age to maturity (Time to flower): 3-8 years
Sources:
http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eugenia+calycina