Eugenia zuccarinii
GUAPI-NHEM AÇÚ
Eugenia zuccarinii
Eugenia zuccarinii is a less commonly known Eugenia spp. that is found in the forests of Rio Di Janiero. Despite it’s proximity to tropical climates this species has been known to handle frosts and temperatures down as low as 26*F! This species puts on large displays of flowers with a fragrance that will surely draw you in. It is an important pollinator species in it’s native range, but will likely be attractive to Honey bees and other pollinators in your area.
The plant seems to form somewhat of a dwarf tree kind of habit which lends itself to be an ornamental accent plant in the landscape. Having medium to small sized Eugenias is something that I find I am looking for more and more. They seem like they will fill a really important niche in my agroforestry system. This species seems like it will fill a mid to understory role very effectively and I look forward to including it in my system.
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Eugenia zuccarinii
Common Name / Native Name: GUAPI-NHEM AÇÚ
Range: South Eastern Brazil
Sun: Full sun/part shade
Height: 5-12 feet
Width: 5+ feet
Foliage: Small glabrous (hairless) leaves that are dark green
Flower: Large displays of flowers borne in racemes (spikes of flowers) that are very fragrant. A great attractant to pollinators.
Fruit: Elliptical berries about 1-3cm in height and about 1cm in width with a dark purple flesh
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidic soils
USDA Climate Zones: 9b+ (likely)
Cold Hardiness: Reported to be tolerant of temperatures down to 26*F
Edibility: A supposedly “very tasty” fruit that is delicious enjoyed fresh. Sources indicate the flavor as a mixture of “prunes and pitanga”. The fruit has a decent amount of flesh surrounding the large seed, and it is great when processed into different value added items.
Age to maturity:
Sources:
http://www.colecionandofrutas.com.br/eugeniazuccarinii.htm
Photos by Joe Hewitt