Eugenia francavilleana

O. Berg.

Myrtaceae Edible: Fruit 2 iNaturalist observations

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Description

An evergreen shrub or small tree. The crown is a pyramid shape. It grwos 4-6 m tall. The trunk is 20-30 cm across. The fruit are red or pear shaped and 1.5 cm across.

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw. A fleshy, sweetish tasting pulp. The red to black, globose to pear-shaped fruit is around 15mm in diameter.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are raw. They are sweet and tasty.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows in semi-deciduous forest. It suits sandy, well-drained soils. It is best in a sunny position.

Where It Grows

Brazil, South America,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown from fresh seeds. Seedlings in a nursery can be planted out after 6 months.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a sunny position in a nursery seedbed. A germination rate in excess of 50% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 15 - 25 days. When the seedlings are 4 - 5cm tall, pot them up into individual containers and they should be ready to plant out 5 - 6 months later.

Other Uses

The wood is fine-textured, straight-grained, moderately heavy, soft to cut, with poor mechanical properties and low durability. It can be used, mainly for internal work, in small general constructions; for tool handles; light cabinet making etc. The wood is used for fuel. Tolerant of full sun and providing an edible fruit that is also a valuable food source for the native fauna, the plant can be used as a pioneer when restoring native woodland or establishing a woodland garden.