Eugenia pyriformis

Eugenia pyriformis is a plant of the family Myrtaceae found primarily in Brazil. It reaches 6 to 13 metres (20 to 43 ft) in height and 30 to 50 centimetres (0.98 to 1.64 ft) in trunk diameter. It is a native species of Brazil, occurring primarily in the states of Paraná, Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and São Paulo.

Description

A tree. It grows 6-13 m tall. The crown is small and open. The trunk is 30-50 cm across. The bark peels off. The leaves are simple and red when young. The leaves are narrow and 4-7 cm long. The flowers are white and occur singly in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is the size of a pear. The fruit are medium size and round with soft sweet smelling pulp. They are 2.5 cm across. It is large and orange yellow. There are 1-3 large seeds.

Edible Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or used to make juice. The fruit pulp is used for flavoring and drinks, though the fruit is notably sour.

Traditional Uses

The fruit can be eaten raw or used for juice. The fruit pulp is used for flavouring and drinks. They are edible but sour.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

No medicinal uses mentioned.

Distribution

A tropical and subtropical plant. In Brazil it grows in semi-deciduous forest on the plateau. It grows between 300-1,500 m above sea level. It can tolerate light frost and drought. It grows in areas with low to medium rainfall. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,300 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Argentina, Brazil*, Cuba, Indonesia, Pacific, Paraguay, Philippines, SE Asia, South America, Uruguay, West Indies,

Cultivation

Plants are grown from seed. The ripe fruit are harvested and the seeds collected with running water. They are dried in the shade. Seeds can only be stored for about 60 days. Plants are grown from fresh seed. They germinate in 10-40 days. Seedlings can be transplanted into the field after 10-11 months.

Propagation

Seed - it has a viability of 60 days or less and so is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a partially shaded position in individual containers. A germination rate of around 40% can be expected, with the seed sprouting within 10 - 40 days. Seedlings are quite slow to develop, but should be ready to plant out 10 - 11 months later.

Other Uses

The yellowish wood is of medium texture, moderately heavy, hard, very durable. It is only used locally for items such as fence posts and poles. It is used especially for rafters and small beams, tool handles and agricultural implements. The wood is used for fuel and to make charcoal.

Production

Plants grow slowly. They may reach 2 m high after 2 years growth. Trees can take 10 years to start to produce fruit. Fruit matures in 60 days.

Other Information

It is a cultivated fruit tree.

Notes

There are about 550 Eugenia species. They are mostly in tropical and subtropical South America.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Ubaia, Uvaia, Uvaieira, Uva jay, Uvalha-do-campo

References (38)

• Barbieri, R. L., et al, 2014, Agricultural Biodiversity in Southern Brazil: Integrating Efforts for Conservation and Use of Neglected and Underutilized Species. Sustainability 6:741-757
• Bortolotto, I. M., et al, 2018, Lista preliminar das plantas alimenticias nativas de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Iheringia, Serie Botanica, Porto Alegre, 73 (supl.):101-116
• Brack, P., et al, 2020, Frutas nativas do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil: riqueza e potencial alimentício. Native fruits of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil: richness and potential as food. Rodriguésia 71: e03102018.
• Brazil: Biodiversity for Food and Nutrition. http://www.b4fn.org/countries/brazil/
• Coradin, L. et al (Eds), 2011, Especies Nativas da Flora Brasileira de Valor Economico Atual ou Potencial. Brasilia MMA. p 167

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