 Eugenia aggregata
Family: Myrtaceae
Cherry of the Rio Grande, Cere Jodo Rio Grande
Origin: Brazil
small tree 10-20 ft,full sun, semi-shade, moderate water, cold hardy at least to 30s F for a short
time
This small multi-branching tree or shrub grows about 10-20 ft
tall. Leaves are 2-3" long, glossy, waxy, dark green, and somewhat
folded down the center. As the tree gets older the bark peels off,
resulting in a smooth and very attractive trunk. In the spring the
Cherry of the Rio Grande is one of our early flowering tropical
fruits and often blossoms in the first part of March. The flowers
are white and quite showy. Blooming and fruiting season continues
for several months into Summer. The delicious cherry is one inch
oblong fruit, beautiful dark red to purple, and is produced soon
after flowering. When ripe the the fruit can turn almost black and
have a full cherry-like flavor. The fruit are highly prized fresh
and as jellies, jams or juices. They freeze quite well, so they can
be picked at maturity and frozen for later use.
A slow grower, Cherry of the Rio Grande grows 2 to 3 feet per
year and makes a very attractive large shrub or small tree,
depending on how it's trained. It is ideal for limited space
landscapes since it can be kept as a bush or even as a container
specimen and still produce adequate quantities of fruit. Propagated
by seed, although seedlings may take up to 4-5 years to fruit.
The plant is fairly drought tolerant, but needs regular watering
when flowering and fruiting, but avoid over-irrigation as it may
create problems with the root system. The plant is tolerant of a
variety of soils, it grows best in partly acidic soil; it does not
like large amounts of salt spray. A relatively hardy plant, it can
tolerate as low as low 20's F when mature, though younger plants
should be protected from frosts. |
