Eugenia stipitata
Family: Myrtaceae
Araza, Araca-boi
Origin: Western Amazonia, Brazil
small tree 10-20 ft, full sun, semi-shade, regular water,
white/off-white flower
Araza is a shrub or small tree growing to 7-15 ft with drooping
branches and fine foliage. It is very rare in cultivation and
definitely a collectable plant. Fruit are soft, fragile and don't
ship well, so the only way to enjoy them is to grow your own plant.
It blooms in Summer with showy white flowers, followed by large (2-5
inches wide) bright yellow fragrant fruit having an excellent
sour-acid flavor. Fruit are very juicy, with a strong fruity aroma,
usually ripening by Fall. Sometimes eaten fresh, out of hand,
although the fruits are quite acidic, it is more commonly used to
flavor ice creams, sweets, and beverages. It is very high in vitamin
C, double the amount of the average orange.
This species seem to be more cold sensitive than other Eugenias
and won't tolerate freeze. It is the best variety for potting
culture due to its miniature size. Moderate water is preferable to
avoid root problems and leaf chlorosis which are the common problems
for this plant. |
