Grumichama

Eugenia brasiliensis

Eugenia brasiliensis (syn. Eugenia dombeyi Skeels ), also Grumichama or Grumixama, is a species of the genus Kirschmyrten ( Eugenia ) in the myrtle family ( Myrtaceae ).

Description

Eugenia brasiliensis is reached a delicate, evergreen tree, the plant height of about 7.5 to 10.5 m. The constantly against arranged leaves are simple and stalked. The leathery, glossy green and pointed- oval leaf blade is 9-16 cm long and 5-6 cm wide. The simple arcuate venation is not very pronounced, but clearly visible, the midrib is depressed. The sheet surface is slightly frosted on both sides. The new growth is reddish. The leaves remain around 2 years on the tree.

The flowers appear singly in the leaf axils on long stalks. The four-fold, hermaphroditic flowers have a diameter of about 2.5 cm. The four petals are white. There are about 100 stamens with white filaments and pale yellow anthers available.

It is a spherical, flattened berry 1.2 to 2 cm in diameter and - formed to almost black in color from dark purple - at maturity. The sepals remain attached to the fruit topping.

Usually only a spherical, up to 1.2 cm tall, tan to gray- brown seed is formed; it can also be formed of up to three seeds are then small and flattened.

Dissemination

The natural range of Eugenia brasiliensis is southern Brazil, particularly the states of Paraná and Santa Catarina. Eugenia brasiliensis preferred deeper sites with nutrient-rich acidic sandy loam soils and a subtropical climate, light frosts to -3 ° C will not.

Eugenia brasiliensis was, inter alia, also introduced to La Réunion, where it is now classified as invasive neophyte.

Use

Eugenia brasiliensis is cultivated as a fruit in the area of ​​Rio de Janeiro and in Paraguay.

Swell

• Julia F. Morton: Grumichama: Julia F. Morton. Fruits of hot climates, Miami, 1987, p 390-391: online version (in English )