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(c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future |
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| (c) 2010 Ken Fern & Plants For A Future |
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Summary
Ugni molinae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) commonly known as Chilean guava, strawberry myrtle, Ugniberry, or New Zealand cranberry. An excellent ornamental plant with a beautiful strawberry aroma. Often grown as a low growing hedge or a container specimen. It was a favourite fruit of Queen Victoria having been introduced to the UK in 1844. The fruit has an absolutely delicious flavour, it is very aromatic and tastes of wild strawberries. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and is freely borne even on small plants. The fruit is used to make jam, Kuchen cake and the dessert murta con membrillo. Leaves are a tea substitute. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute. It is used to make the traditional liqueur Murtado in Chile. Myrtus ugni Molina is a synonym of Ugni molinae Turcz.
Physical Characteristics
Ugni molinae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Eugenia ugni. Ugni molinae. Myrtus ugni
Plant Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Seed
Edible Uses: Coffee Tea
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 3]. An absolutely delicious flavour, it is very aromatic and tastes of wild strawberries[11, 15, K]. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter[196] and is freely borne even on small plants[K]. Leaves are a tea substitute[177, 183]. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute[183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
None known
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil including[1] dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position[11, 200]. Fairly tolerant of maritime exposure[K]. Established plants are drought resistant[196]. A very ornamental plant[1], it is only hardy in the milder parts of Britain[3], tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant[184]. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts. Plants grow and fruit very well in Cornwall, indeed, in the past it has been cultivated commercially for its fruit there[11, 59] (it was one of Queen Victoria's favourite fruits), but is now normally only grown as an ornamental plant. This is a much underused plant that highly merits cultivation on a commercial scale for its fruit[K]. Flowers and fruits well even when the plants are young[11, 166]. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[200].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
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Plant Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts[K]. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage[78]. Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, November in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage[78]. Layering.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Chilean cranberry, Chilean guava myrtle, Cranberry, Guava myrtle, Muria, Murta, New Zealand cranberry, Strawberry myrtle, Tazziberry, Temo, Ugni,
Native Range
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Argentina, Chubut, Chile,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
Turcz.
Botanical References
11200
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