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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 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.
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, 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

Edible Uses

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

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None known

References More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Agroforestry uses: Chilean guava can be used as a hedge or border plant due to its dense foliage and attractive flowers. It can also contribute to biodiversity by providing food and habitat for wildlife. Tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a small hedge in the milder parts of Britain[11]. 1. Nectary - Flowers rich in nectar and pollen: Yes – The small, fragrant flowers of Chilean guava produce nectar and pollen, attracting pollinators like bees. 2. Wildlife - Food (Fruit, Seeds, Leaf litter, Shelter, Nesting, Roosting): Yes – The edible fruits of Chilean guava are consumed by various wildlife, including birds and small mammals. The shrub also provides shelter with its dense foliage, which may be used for nesting or roosting. 3. Invertebrate Shelter (Overwintering sites, Leaf litter, Groundcover): Yes – The plant can provide shelter for invertebrates through leaf litter and groundcover, supporting beneficial insects and their habitats. 4. Pest Confuser (Smell): No – Chilean guava is not known for having a strong scent that confuses pests.

Special 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]. Chilean guava is self-fertile, meaning it can produce fruit without needing another plant for pollination. The fruit is typically harvested in late summer to early autumn, around late February to April (Southern Hemisphere), depending on the climate and specific variety. Chilean guava usually flowers in late spring to early summer, producing small, white to pink flowers that are quite fragrant. Chilean guava is a relatively slow-growing shrub, reaching maturity in about 3 to 4 years, but it can live for many years, often producing fruit annually.

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 :

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Ugni molinae	Uñi, Chilean guava	Shrub	2.0	7-11	M	LMH	N	DM	5	0	3

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.

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Ugni - Turcz.