Eugenia uniflora – Native Plant Search

Native Range

A native plant refers to a species of plant that has naturally evolved and grown in a particular geographic area without any human intervention or introduction. These plants have adapted to the local climate, soil, and ecological conditions over an extended period of time, often thousands of years. Because of this co-evolution with their specific environment, native plants have developed characteristics that make them well-suited to the local ecosystem and provide essential resources for local wildlife.

Native plants play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological balance of an area. They provide food and habitat for native wildlife, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and contribute to the overall health of the ecosystem. Additionally, native plants often require fewer resources like water and fertilizers compared to non-native or exotic plants that may not be well-suited to the local environment.

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Native Continent

Southern America

Brazil, Alagoas, Bahia, Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Paraná, Rio de Janeiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, São Paulo, Sergipe, Bolivia, La Paz, Santa Cruz, Tarija, Argentina, Catamarca, Chaco, Corrientes, Entre Ríos, Formosa, Jujuy, Misiones, Salta, Santa Fe, Tucumán, Paraguay, Uruguay,

Natural Habitat

Edible Uses

The ripe fruit is eaten fresh. It can be cooked or used for jams and other products. The leaves are used as a substitute for tea. Unripe fruits can be used to make relishes and chutneys. Fruit - used when fully ripe, it is delicious when eaten raw, and can also be made into jams, jellies, pies, juices, sherbets etc . The ripe fruit is crimson to purplish-black in colour with a juicy, aromatic, subacid flesh . Very rich in pectin and vitamin C , it has a tangy and sometimes rather bitter flavour with a weird aftertaste Opinions on the quality of the fruit seem to be mixed with some people finding it utterly delicious, sweet, juicy and slightly spicy, whilst others find it too peppery, sour or resinous . Much of this difference is due to the variation in the fruit itself, with some forms quite acid and others very sweet, and the degree of resin in the flavour also varying . One fruit a day is said to provide all the vitamin C a body requires . Unripe fruits can be used to make relishes and chutneys . Some forms can fruit for up to 7 months a year . The fruit is 15 - 30mm long . The aromatic leaves are used as a tea substitute .