I am particularly intrigued by the fruits borne by Eugenia uniflora which appear like red little pumpkins when they are ripe. Commonly known as the Surinam cherry, Brazilian cherry or Cayenne cherry, it is a member of the Myrtaceae family. Common tropical fruits like the guava are also members of this family.
Eugenia uniflora is native to tropical America and grows as a large shrub or small tree with a beautiful conical canopy. It is a slow grower and can attain a height of about 8 m. Its leaves are roughly shaped like diamond and mature ones are glossy green. This shrub becomes rather ornamental whenever there is new growth as the new leaves put forth are reddish copper in colour. In an edible garden, several Surinam cherry plants can be grown as a hedge.
The flowers of Eugenia uniflora can sometimes appear singly or in clusters of four. Because of instances that flowers may appear singly, this species probably earned its species name, uniflora this way, which has the meaning of ‘single flower’. The flowers are small and white in colour and reported to be fragrant.
After the flowers fade, ribbed fruits with an appearance that is akin to Chinese pumpkins appear. They are green at first and as they ripen, they take on a reddish hue. When fully ripe, they are dark red in colour and fall into the hand at the lightest touch. Internet sources state that there is another cultivar with fruits that are blackish red in colour. Mature fruits are small and measure up to only 2 cm in diameter.
The taste of the pulp ranges from sweet to sour, depending on the cultivar and level of ripeness. Fully ripe fruits are not resinous to taste and can be quite sweet when consumed out of hand. The unripe ones which appear green to orange are tart and sour. Fruits are rich in Vitamin C and can be used as a base for jams and jellies and flavour various confections. Brazilians ferment the juice into vinegar or wine, and sometimes prepare a distilled liquor.
After enjoying the pulp, one can either find one fairly large, round seed or two or three smaller seeds each with a flattened side inside. Note that the seeds are extremely resinous and should not be eaten. Diarrhoea has occurred in dogs that have been fed the whole fruits by children.
In HortPark’s Kampong Daze, one would be able to find a Eugenia uniflora plant there. I planted it there earlier this year and the location where it is grown is a little waterlogged. To date, surprisingly, it not only survived, it even flowered and fruited! According to the webpage based on the book entitled ‘Fruits of warm climates’ by Julia F. Morton, it was stated that Eugenia uniflora can grow in a range of soils and can withstand waterlogging for a time! It is intolerant of salt.
Plants are propagated from seeds and should be grown under full sun. Soil should be kept moist at all times. Note that a strong, spicy smell will be given off when the plant is being pruned and that can irritate the respiratory passages of sensitive persons. Interestingly, the leaves of Eugenia uniflora have been spread over the floors of Brazilian homes because when they are walked upon, they release their pungent oil which can help to repels flies! They also possess medicinal properties!
For more information, do refer to the write-up on Eugenia uniflora in ‘Fruits of warm climates’ by Julia F. Morton via this URL – http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/surinam_cherry.html.
