24 February 2008

Pitanga

Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae)

Pitanga is the Brazilian common name of this sour and juicy fruit. In North America they are commonly called the Surinam cherry. Ben says they taste "very nasal."

This is a photo of one of the largest I've found yet. They grow very abundant. Each fruit bears 1-3 seeds. I've heard of Pitanga swathes in the sand dunes growing no bigger than your hips yet bearing normal size fruits (though not as fruitful as those that grow on fertile soils).

A perfect tree for an agroforestry system, Pitangas grow in the shade and can be kept low with pruning. In Florida, however, they are an invasive species. Pitanga originates from tropical America and is the base for jellies and jams. They are very high in vitamin C.

No comments: