Grumichama – Advanced – Black

Plant family: Myrtaceae

Plant origin: Brazil.

Fruit description: The Black Grumichama fruits are dark red turning black when ripe. Each is about 25 mm in diameter on a long stem (like a cherry). The skin is thin and the flesh is white and juicy. It tastes sweet and the flavour is pleasant, similar to sweet cherry. There are 1 to 3 seeds inside.

Flowers: The flowers are white and occur singly.

Growing conditions: A Grumichama grows to a height of 2 to 5 metres. It is a subtropical or tropical, evergreen shrub or small tree. It prefers well-drained soil rich in organic matter. It prefers to receive sunshine for at least half of the day. It can tolerate frost to -5 degrees. A Grumichama can also be successfully grown in a pot. It is a lovely ornamental tree as well as producing a large crop. Mulch around the tree and water the tree well in hot weather.

Uses: Eat the fruit raw or make juice. You can also use less ripe Grumichama fruit in pies, preserves, jams and jellies.

Medicinal uses:

Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating

Harvest time Early December.

Plant relatives Other Eugenia plants include the Rio Grande Cherry, Brazil Cherry (Pitanga or Surinam Cherry), Beach or Cedar Bay Cherry (Australia), Pitomba, Giant Lau Lau and Tropical Apricot.

Special features:

Grown by method: Seed Grown Pot size: 175mm

Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 2 metres high by 1.5 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 3 metres high by 2.5 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.

Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 175mm