Kendall Farms | Grumichama

Eugenia Brasiliensis

Do you like CHERRIES? Well here is the tropical equivalent and they are just as good!

An often admired but still very minor fruiting member of the Myrtaceae, the grumichama, Eugenia brasiliensis Lam. (syn. E. dombeyi Skeels), is also called grumixama, grumichameira, or grumixameira in Brazil, and sometimes Brazil cherry elsewhere.

The Grumichama is native and wild in coastal southern Brazil, especially in the states of Parana and Santa Catarina. It is cultivated in and around Rio de Janeiro, also in Paraguay.

This fruit is the tropical equivalent of the cherry and just as difficult to resist. The purplish-black /yellow or orange fruit is borne in clusters and is delicious eaten fresh. The sweet white flesh is highly prized for jams, jellies and pies.

If you are looking for a spectacular ornamental specimen than it would be hard to go past this tree with its magnificent flowers, glossy dark green foliage and full growth habit.

The tree is hardy to most conditions provided you can offer it protection from frosts particularly when young. It can withstand light frosts once established. While the tree will still retain its highly ornamental qualities during drought periods, the crop quality deteriorates if adequate water is not available during fruit development.

The Grumichama is recognised as one of South America’s most sought after fruit-but because of easy damage while packing or transporting the fruit is not viable commercially-so it is ideal for the home gardener.

The tree is regarded as remarkable for the short period from flowering to fruiting. In Florida, it has been in full bloom in late April and loaded with fruits 30 days later. The crop ripens quickly over just a few days. In Hawaii, the trees bloom and fruit from July to December, with the main crop in the fall. Trees in Brazil vary considerably in time of flowering and fruiting so that the overall season extends from November to February. Likes full sun. Can be grown in a pot!