Eugenia uniflora, the pitanga, Surinamecherry, Brazilian cherry, Cayenne cherry, cerisier carré, monkimonki kersie or ñangapirí, is a plant in the family Myrtaceae, native to tropical South America’s east coast, ranging from Suriname, French Guiana to southern Brazil, as well as Uruguay and parts of Paraguay and Argentina. It is often used in gardens as a hedge or screen. The tree was introduced to Bermuda for ornamental purposes but is now out of control and listed as an invasive species. The tree has also been introduced to Florida.
Description
Eugenia uniflora is a large shrub or small tree with a conical form, growing slowly to high. When bruised, crushed or cut, the leaves and branches have a spicy resinous fragrance, which can cause respiratory discomfort in susceptible individuals. The leaves are without stipules, ovate, glossy and held in opposite pairs. New leaves are bronze, copper or coppery-pinkish in color, maturing to a deep glossy green, up to long. During winter the leaves turn red. Flowers have four white petals and are borne on slender long stalks, with a conspicuous central cluster of white stamens ending in yellow anthers. Flowers develop into ribbed fruits long, starting out as green, then ranging through orange, scarlet and maroon as they ripen. Because the seeds are distributed by fruit-eating birds it can become a weed in suitable tropical and sub-tropical habitats, displacing native flora.
Uses
Fruit
The edible fruit is a botanical berry. The taste ranges from sweet to sour, depending on the cultivar and level of ripeness. Its predominant food use is as a flavoring and base for jams and jellies. The fruit is high in vitamin C and a source of vitamin A.
Leaves
The leaves are spread on some house floors in Brazil, so that when crushed underfoot, they exude a smell which repels flies. The leaves are also used for tea in certain parts of Uruguay.
Medical studies
Eugenia uniflora has several significant pharmacological properties. Its essential oil is antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antitumor and analgesic, and it has shown antiviral and antifungalactivity. It has performed against microorganisms such as Trichomonas gallinae, Trypanosoma cruzi and Leishmania amazonensis. It also shows significant anti-inflammatory properties, and is used extensively as a folk remedy in South America against stomach diseases.
