The Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis), often called Brazilian Cherry, is a slow-growing, highly ornamental evergreen fruit tree native to Brazil. It develops a dense, upright, pyramidal shape and is prized for its attractive, glossy, dark green, leathery leaves and decorative, reddish new growth.
In spring, it produces fluffy white flowers in the leaf axils, followed quickly (often within weeks) by the fruit. The fruit resembles a large cherry, turning from green to bright red and finally to a shiny, deep purple or black when ripe. The flesh is translucent, soft, sweet, and juicy, with a hint of resinous flavour. It is excellent for fresh eating, jams, and preserving. It makes a beautiful, dense screen or a stand-alone feature tree, especially suited to warm and subtropical Australian climates.
Care Tips:
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Position: Prefers a position in full sun to promote the heaviest fruit set. It can tolerate part shade, but this may reduce the crop.
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Climate & Frost: Best suited to subtropical and warm temperate areas. While mature trees can handle light, brief frosts, young trees are very frost sensitive and should be protected.
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Soil: Requires deep, rich, and slightly acidic soil that is well-drained. It benefits from plenty of organic matter.
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Watering: Water regularly and consistently, especially during the establishment phase and when the tree is flowering and fruiting. It dislikes drying out.
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Pruning: Requires minimal pruning, mostly just to shape the tree or remove low, crossing, or dead branches. Its naturally dense, pyramidal shape is very attractive.
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Fertilising: Feed in spring and autumn with a balanced, slow-release fertiliser designed for fruiting trees.
