 |
|
|
EUGENIA UNIFLORA L.
 Synonym: Eugenia michellii Common name: Monki monki kersi, Pitanga, Cerise de Cayenne, Cereza de Cayene, Surinam cherry, Red Brazil cherry. Family: Myrtaceae (myrtle family). Pitanga is a small tropical tree, indigenous to the Amazon rainforest, growing up to no more than 20'; it has pointed ovate-lanceolate leaves. The leaves are deep green but turn red in the cold winter weather. The leaves have also a essential oil containing citronella, terpenine, sesquiterpenes and others. The fruits are round red and yellow, deeply grooved berries. There is also a variety with dark crimson fruit; this one is sweeter. They are very juicy and have a high vitamin C content. Besides the vitamin C it has also calcium and phosphorus, iron, vitamin A, riboflavinine, niacine. Surinam cherry is also used for bonsai. Red Brazil cherry also has medicinal applications. In Suriname's traditional medicine a decoction of the leaves is used as a cold remedy. Besides cultivation for it's fruit, it can also be used in landscaping since it makes hedges, amenable to clipping. Surinam cherry is a adaptable plant and can be grown in tropical and subtropical zones. Hardiness: USDA zone 8 - 11. Propagation: seeds and cuttings. Culture: full sun / partial shade, moist soil. This tropical plant can succesfully be grown indoors in the cooler zones. Indoors, misting of the plants is helpful in winter. Plant in frost free spots, serious damage to young plant occurs at 22° F., mature plants suffers not much damage and they revive in full sun; serious damage to mature plant, occurs at 20° F. |