Surinam cherry (pitanga) Eugenia uniflora
Surinam cherry (pitanga) (Eugenia uniflora) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Myrtaceae family, native to Eastern and southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -4 °C (25 °F). Space plants about 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart.
Plan Surinam cherry (pitanga) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Surinam cherry (pitanga) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 2.5 m (8.2 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance moderate, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -4 °C (25 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 4–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit pulp |
| Native to | Eastern and southern Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and northern Argentina |
| Common in gardens of | 🇧🇷 Brazil |
| Invasive in | US (Florida, Hawaii), Puerto Rico: check local rules before planting |
Is Surinam cherry (pitanga) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not well documented
- Dogs: not well documented
Ripe pulp is edible; pet toxicity is not documented, and the resinous seed is not eaten.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Surinam cherry (pitanga)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Guava: Myrtle rust (Austropuccinia psidii) infects guava, feijoa, Surinam cherry and many other Myrtaceae; it spreads by airborne spores between them. Evidence B
Questions about Surinam cherry (pitanga)
- How far apart should I plant Surinam cherry (pitanga)?
- About 2.5 m (8.2 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Surinam cherry (pitanga) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Surinam cherry (pitanga) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is moderate and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Surinam cherry (pitanga)?
- It tolerates about -4 °C (25 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Surinam cherry (pitanga) flower?
- From about March for 4–17 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Surinam cherry (pitanga) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not well documented; for dogs not well documented; for people not known to be toxic. Ripe pulp is edible; pet toxicity is not documented, and the resinous seed is not eaten.
- What grows well with Surinam cherry (pitanga)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Surinam cherry (pitanga). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade C (C: plausible, mixed evidence).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- CABI Invasive Species Compendium, CABI
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Mature plants tolerate brief cold to about −4 °C; young plants are damaged near −2 °C. Used as a hedge. Weedy in Florida and Hawaii, so check local lists before planting.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon myrtle Backhousia citriodora
- Guava Psidium guajava
- Feijoa Acca sellowiana
- Cider gum (eucalyptus) Eucalyptus gunnii
- Lilly pilly Syzygium smithii
- Crimson bottlebrush Melaleuca citrina
- Mānuka (tea tree) Leptospermum scoparium
- Pōhutukawa (NZ Christmas tree) Metrosideros excelsa