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Summary
Other common names include Brazil Cherry, Brazilian Plum, Grumixameira, Grumixama, and Spanish Cherry. Grumichama or Eugenia brasiliensis is a small, tropical, compact tree growing up to 15 m in height. It is commonly found in South America. It has grey bark, and glossy oval to oblong leaves that are arranged oppositely. The small fruits are round, dark purple, and form into clusters on long stems. Leaf or bark infusions are used in the treatment of rheumatism. It is an aromatic, astringent diuretic. The fruit can be eaten raw or made into jams or jellies. The bark and leaves contain tannins and essential oil. The wood is easy to work, compact, hard, and moderately heavy. It is used for cabinets, linings, boxes, and general carpentry.
Physical Characteristics
Eugenia brasiliensis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Birds.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Eugenia bracteolaris Lam. Eugenia dombeyi (Spreng.) Skeels. Eugenia filipes Baill. Eugenia ubensis C
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses:
Fruit - raw or used in jams, jellies etc [ 301 , 303 , 310 ]. The deep crimson fruit has a thin and delicate skin, soft and melting pulp and a mild subacid taste[ 301 , 303 ]. The taste largely resides in the skin[ 303 , 310 ]. Excellent when eaten fresh[ 301 ]. The persistent sepals ('rabbit ears') and the modest flesh to seed ratio limit the appeal of the fruit[ 310 ]. The fruit is a globose to oblate berry, up to 3 - 5cm in diameter[ 303 ].
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.
Antirheumatic Aromatic Astringent Diuretic
An infusion of 10 g of leaves or bark in 300 ml water is used as an aromatic, astringent diuretic and as a treatment for rheumatism in Brazil[ 303 , 739 ].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Containers Essential Furniture Tannin Wood
Other Uses: The bark and leaves contain large amounts of tannins, reportedly among highest found in plants (34% in the bark)[ 303 , 310 ]. The bark and leaves contain 1.5% of an essential oil and have an attractive aromatic smell[ 310 ]. The wood is cross-grained, compact, hard, moderately heavy, not very elastic, brittle, of medium durability when exposed[ 419 ]. Easy to work, it is used for lathe work, cabinet making, general carpentry, linings and boxes[ 419 ].
Special Uses
Attracts Wildlife Food Forest
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
is a cultivated tree. The fruit are popular. The grumichama requires a humid, tropical to subtropical climate, growing best at very low elevations of 90 metres or less[ 303 ]. The temperature range for growth is reported to be 15 - 38°c with the optimum between 21 - 32°c[ 303 ]. Mature trees tolerate frost to -3°c for short periods, but young shoots are affected[ 303 ]. The annual rainfall range for growth is reported to be 800 - 3,500mm with the optimum between 1,200 - 2,500mm[ 303 ]. The plant is adversely affected by a long, dry season[ 303 ]. Succeeds in full sun or part day shade[ 200 ]. Adaptable to a range of soil types, but intolerant of alkaline soils[ 200 ]. Prefers high levels of organic matter in the soil[ 200 ], especially when grown on light soils[ 303 ]. Prefers a position sheltered from strong winds[ 303 ]. Generally slow-growing, the plants can commence flowering and fruiting when 4 years old from seed[ 377 ]. In the subtropics the trees flower synchronously in spring. The fruit ripens within one month and the harvest is over in a matter of days[ 303 ]. In the tropics flowering and fruiting extend over several months[ 303 ]. The fruits can vary considerably in colour and two distinct forms have been described. The species type has a black-skinned fruit; E. Brasiliensis leucocarpa has yellow fruits; E. Brasiliensis erythrocarpa has red-skinned fruits that are sweeter than the other forms[ 416 ]. Flowering Time: "Late Summer/Early Fall
Mid Fall". Blooming Color: White/Near White. This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant Propagation
Seed - should be sown as soon as possible because it loses its viability in about 6 weeks[ 303 ]. Sow in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. Germination rates are usually low, with the seed sprouting within 30 - 60 days[ 419 ]. Seedlings grow away very slowly[ 419 ]. A spacing of 4 m between trees is suitable. Little pruning is necessary. Cuttings. Easy[ 303 ]. Air layering. Easy[ 303 ]. Grafting.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Grumichama, Brazilian Plum, Grumixameira, Grumixama, Spanish Cherry, Amla, Aula, Cerisier de Brazil, Cumbixaba, Grumixaba, Grumixameira, Ibaporoti, Oula, Sinaili,
Native Range
SOUTHERN AMERICA: Brazil, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina, São Paulo,
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 : This taxon has not yet been assessed
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
Lam.
Botanical References
1
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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Subject : Eugenia brasiliensis
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