Natal Cherry
Eugenia uniflora
Also listed as Eugenia michelii, Eugenia myrtifolia
Also known as Surinam Cherry, Brazilian Cherry, Pitanga
Climate Match for your location
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A tropical shrub or small tree prized for its small, bright red edible fruits with a distinctive ribbed appearance. Hardy in warm climates, it produces white flowers followed by prolific crops of tart-sweet cherries popular fresh or preserved.
Why grow it
Natal cherry offers reliable production of small, distinctive ribbed fruits in warm-climate gardens where conventional cherries struggle. It tolerates poor soils and requires less winter chill than temperate cherry species, making it more suitable for subtropical and tropical regions. The tree's compact size suits small spaces and container cultivation better than many fruit trees.
Watch out for
Fruit ripeness can be difficult to judge visually, and birds compete heavily for the crop, so netting may be necessary for reliable harvest. In areas with high humidity, leaf spot and fruit diseases can reduce plant vigor and fruit quality, requiring good air circulation and sanitation practices.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Myrtaceae
Native Range
Brazil
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
Cultivars vary primarily by fruit size and flavor profile; 'Etna' and 'Grimal 400' are selections grown commercially in tropical regions for larger, sweeter fruits.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
A tropical shrub or small tree prized for its small, bright red edible fruits with a distinctive ribbed appearance. Hardy in warm climates, it produces white flowers followed by prolific crops of tart-sweet cherries popular fresh or preserved.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Natal Cherry grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Natal cherry offers reliable production of small, distinctive ribbed fruits in warm-climate gardens where conventional cherries struggle. It tolerates poor soils and requires less winter chill than temperate cherry species, making it more suitable for subtropical and tropical regions. The tree's compact size suits small spaces and container cultivation better than many fruit trees.
Watch out for
Fruit ripeness can be difficult to judge visually, and birds compete heavily for the crop, so netting may be necessary for reliable harvest. In areas with high humidity, leaf spot and fruit diseases can reduce plant vigor and fruit quality, requiring good air circulation and sanitation practices.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Myrtaceae
Native Range
Brazil
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Harvest Season
Edible Parts
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Years to Bearing
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
Cultivars vary primarily by fruit size and flavor profile; 'Etna' and 'Grimal 400' are selections grown commercially in tropical regions for larger, sweeter fruits.