Botanical Name:Eugenia brasiliensis
Family: Myrtaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Myrtales
Genus: Eugenia
Species: E. brasiliensis
Synonyms:
*Eugenia bracteolaris Lam.
*Eugenia dombeyi Skeels nom. illeg.
*Eugenia filipes Baill.
*Eugenia filipes Baillon in Grandidier
*Eugenia ubensis Cambess.
*Myrtus dombeyi Spreng.
*Myrtus grumixama Vell.
*Stenocalyx brasiliensis (Lam.)
*Stenocalyx ubensis (Cambess.)
Common Names: Grumichama,Brazil cherry, Brazilian cherry,Brazilian Plum, Grumixameira, Grumixama, and Spanish Cherry
Habitat:Grumichama is native to S. America – coastal southern Brazil. It is a rare plant in the Atlantic rainforest, growing on alluvial plains and gentle slopes.Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid and neutral soils and can grow in very acid soils.
Description:
Grumichama is an evergreen Shrub growing to 8 m (26ft) by 8 m (26ft) at a slow rate. The flowers are pollinated by Bees, Birds.
It is noted for attracting wildlife.
It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. It bears small fruits that resemble exact like cherries with purple or black hue. Grumichama is slowly becoming an endangered species due to its slow growth and low dispersal rate.The small fruits are round, dark purple, and form into clusters on long stems.
Propagation:
Seed – should be sown as soon as possible because it loses its viability in about 6 weeks. Sow in a lightly shaded position in a nursery seedbed or in individual containers. Germination rates are usually low, with the seed sprouting within 30 – 60 days. Seedlings grow away very slowly. A spacing of 4 m between trees is suitable. Little pruning is necessary. Cuttings. Easy. Air layering. Easy. Grafting.
Edible Uses: The fruit can be eaten raw or made into jams or jellies. The deep crimson fruit has a thin and delicate skin, soft and melting pulp and a mild subacid taste. The taste largely resides in the skin. Excellent when eaten fresh. The persistent sepals (‘rabbit ears’) and the modest flesh to seed ratio limit the appeal of the fruit. The fruit is a globose to oblate berry, up to 3 – 5cm in diameter.
Medicinal Uses: Leaf or bark infusions are used in the treatment of rheumatism. It is an aromatic, astringent diuretic.
Other Uses: The bark and leaves contain large amounts of tannins, reportedly among highest found in plants (34% in the bark). The bark and leaves contain 1.5% of an essential oil and have an attractive aromatic smell. The wood is cross-grained, compact, hard, moderately heavy, not very elastic, brittle, of medium durability when exposed. Easy to work, it is used for lathe work, cabinet making, general carpentry, linings and boxes.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grumichama
https://www.fruitsinfo.com/grumichama-fruit.php
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Eugenia+brasiliensis
