The grumichama , Brazilian cherry (Eugenia brasiliensis, syn.
Eugenia dombeyi) is medium sized tree (maximum tteters height)
endemic to Brazil which bears small fruits that are purple to black
in color, and have a sweet cherry-like flavor. Its wood is used in
carpentry, woodworking and turnery. Its small size favors its use in
urban landscaping. Its slow growth and low rate of dispersion make
it rare, and it's generally considered as an endangered species
Common Names
English: grumichama, Brazilian cherry
Portuguese: grumixama
Spanish: grumichama, grumichana
French: cerisier du Brésil, jambosier du Brésil
Origin and Distribution
The grumichama is native to southeastern Brazil. It is cultivated
sporadically throughout the tropics and subtropics.
Botanical Synonyms
Eugenia dombeyi, E. filipes, Myrtus dombeyi and Stenocalyx
brasiliensis.
Description
Large shrub to small tree, reaching 18-40 feet (5.5-12 m). Leaves
opposite, 3-5 inches (7.6-13 cm) long, glossy and oval to elliptic.
Perfect axillary flowers, solitary or in groups of two or three.
Fruits round, purple, red or yellow, with a long peduncle, around 1
inch (2.5 cm) in diameter, juicy and sweet. Fruits contain one or
two seeds.
Fruits of purple and yellow grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis)
Propagation and Culture
Grumichama is propagated by seed and grafting. Seeds germinate in
about 30 days. The plants prefer soil with abundant organic matter
and a pH of 5.5-6.5. It grows well in full sun to partial shade.
Plants are reportedly hardy to 28 F (-2 C). Begins fruiting at 4-5
years from seed. In Puerto Rico, flowering occurs from February to
May, and fruiting from March to June.
Cultivars and Related Species
There are no named cultivars of grumichama, but there are three
types: purple, red and yellow. There are approximately 40 Eugenia
species with edible fruits.
Uses
 Grumichama
fruits are delicious fresh, and are also used to make juices, wines,
jams and jellies. The tree is a beautiful ornamental.
Nutritional composition per 100 g grumichama fruit
Carbohydrate 13.4 g
Fat 0.3 g
Protein 0.1-0.6 g
Calcium 39.5 mg
Phosphorous 13.6 mg
Iron 0.5 mg
Vitamin A 67 IU
Vitamin B1 0.04 mg
Vitamin B2 0.03 mg
Niacin 0.34 mg
Vitamin C 19 mg |
