Discovering Eugenia uniflora: Origin, Taxonomy and General Characteristics
Eugenia uniflora, Commonly known as pitanga, Suriname cherry or Brazil cherry, is a shrub or small tree belonging to the family myrtaceaeThis species is native to South America, especially abundant in regions of Bolivia, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, although it has been introduced to many other areas of the world due to its ornamental and productive value. In some places, it can even behave as an invasive species.
His scientific name It finds its origin in the dedication to Prince Eugene of Savoy, a great patron of botany. The epithet 'uniflora' refers to the characteristic of having solitary flowers.
La taxonomic classification of Eugenia uniflora is the following:
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: myrtales
- Family: myrtaceae
- Gender: Eugenia
- Species: eugenia uniflora
This plant stands out for its great versatility and adaptability, reasons that have made it a recurring option in both urban gardens and parks, hedges and family gardens.
Botanical Description of Pitanga
La eugenia uniflora It is a small shrub or tree, capable of reaching between 2 and 8 meters in height depending on the growing conditions and location. It presents a irregular trunk with smooth, dark brown bark that peels off with age, revealing lighter or greenish layers. Young branches may have a slight hairiness.
The leaves They are opposite, simple, and aromatic when rubbed. Their shape varies from oval-elliptical to ovate-lanceolate, measuring between 2,5 and 10 cm in length. color of its foliage It is shiny dark green on the upper surface and paler on the underside, changing to reddish or copper tones during the sprouting of new leaves, which gives it a polychromatic appearance throughout the year.
The flowers The pitanga flowers are white, small (1-2 cm in diameter), aromatic, and emerge alone or in small clusters in the leaf axils, attracting bees and butterflies with their nectar.
El fruit It is a globose, ribbed berry, varying in color from green when unripe, through yellow, orange, bright red, to maroon and even dark purple when ripe. Sweet and slightly acidic in flavor, it contains 1 to 3 flattened seeds and is edible, being highly appreciated for its freshness and aroma.
Growing and Care Requirements for Eugenia uniflora
La Pitanga It is a plant that easily adapts to different environments, although it offers its best development in warm, humid, subtropical climates. It prefers temperatures above 5-8°C, as it can be damaged below 0°C, especially in young specimens.
It can grow at altitudes ranging from sea level to 1750 meters, in coastal regions, tropical rainforests, or the margins of savannas and forests. It is very tolerant of soil types, although thrives best in deep, drained soils rich in organic matter, with a slightly acidic pH. It does not tolerate saline or calcareous soils.
Regarding irrigation, needs a certain level of humidity without waterlogging. Regular watering is recommended during the first few years, reducing this once established, as it tolerates short periods of drought and occasionally brief flooding.
La solar exposition It is best placed in direct sunlight, although it also tolerates partial shade. To stimulate growth and fruit production, it is recommended to place it in locations where it receives several hours of sunlight per day.
La pruning It is well tolerated, allowing it to be shaped in various ways (hedges, pyramids, trees with a canopy) and maintaining dense, healthy foliage. A formation pruning in the first years and maintenance pruning after harvest to remove dry or diseased branches.
Multiplication and Maintenance of Pitanga
Multiplication is mainly done by seeds, which should be planted as soon as possible after harvesting, as their viability decreases significantly over time. Germination occurs within a few weeks. It can also be propagated by cuttings or grafts, although this last method requires more experience and can sometimes generate unwanted outbreaks.
El for Growth Eugenia uniflora's growth rate is relatively rapid, with fruiting beginning 3-4 years after planting. Fruit size and quality improve if the plant receives adequate moisture and regular fertilization, especially during flowering and fruit development.
The use of balanced fertilizers should focus on spring and summer, applying them every 2-3 months to promote vigorous growth.
Pitanga Calendar: Flowering, Fruiting and Harvest
The pitanga It blooms mainly in spring, although in tropical climates it may bloom again in mid-summer. Its fruits ripen quickly, generally 2 to 3 weeks after flowering, and are harvested between late summer and autumn.
For the best tasting fruit, it's recommended to pick them only when they easily detach from the branch. Darker-colored varieties tend to have less resinous flavor than red or orange varieties.
Nutritional Benefits and Properties of Eugenia uniflora
The fruit of the pitanga is exceptionally nutritious. Per 100 grams, it provides approximately 49 kcal, is low in fat and protein, and is composed mostly of water. It is a natural source of vitamins A, B and C, minerals such as calcium, phosphorus and iron, as well as containing fiber, phenolic compounds, flavonoids and anthocyanins. All of this gives it antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, digestive and diuretic powers.
| Nutritional value per 100 g of fresh pitanga | |
|---|---|
| Sustainable | 49 Kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7,93-12,5 g |
| Fats | 0,4-0,88 g |
| Proteins | 0,84-1,01 g |
| Water | 85,4-90,7 g |
| Vitamin A | 12-20 μg |
| Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) | 0,03 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0,04 mg |
| Vitamin C: | 3 mg |
| Football | 9 mg |
| Iron | 0,2 mg |
| Phosphorus | 11 mg |
These nutritional properties make pitanga a superfood Recommended for healthy diets, it helps combat cellular aging, strengthen the immune system, care for the skin and vision, reduce blood pressure, and aid digestion. Its leaves also have medicinal properties, notable for their anti-inflammatory effects. antidiarrheals, digestives, diuretics and carminatives.
Main Health Benefits and Uses of Pitanga
Regular consumption of pitanga offers numerous benefits. Benefits supported by scientific studies and traditional medicine:
- Prevention of cardiovascular diseases: Thanks to its richness in polyphenols and vitamin C.
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic action: Effective for treating symptoms of arthritis, gout and joint pain.
- Improved skin and vision: High vitamin A and C content promotes collagen production and protects eyesight.
- Diuretic and digestive action: Promotes fluid elimination and improves gastrointestinal function.
- Antimicrobial and antiviral properties: Leaf extracts and essential oils can eliminate fungi, bacteria (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, among others) and certain viruses.
- Contribution to weight control diets: Low-calorie and satiating fruit.
- Strengthening the immune system: Stimulates the body's natural defenses.
- Anticancer potential: Preliminary studies show a possible action against tumor cells.
In addition to being eaten fresh, pitanga is used in the preparation of jams, juices, liqueurs, desserts and sweetsThe leaves are used to make infusions, while the bark is used in decoctions to treat throat conditions.
Pitanga Recipes and Ways to Eat
Pitanga is extremely culinary versatile. It can be eaten directly as a fruit, or used in desserts, juices, ice creams, mousses, jellies, and liqueurs. Below are some simple and popular ways to include it in your diet:
- Pitanga leaf tea: Traditionally used to combat diarrhea and aid digestion. Simply infuse 2 tablespoons of fresh leaves in 1 liter of hot water, cover, and let it steep for 10 minutes. It is recommended to have no more than 3 cups per day, and avoid use if you are taking antihypertensive drugs.
- Pitanga juice: An excellent refreshing and diuretic option. You'll need half a cup of fresh fruit, 100 ml of cold water, and a teaspoon of honey. Blend everything together in a blender, strain, and serve with ice.
- Pitanga mousse: As a sophisticated and healthy dessert, it is prepared with Greek yogurt, fresh pulp, unflavored gelatin, beaten egg whites, and brown sugar, creating a light and exotic dessert.
Ornamental, ecological uses and pet compatibility
Eugenia uniflora, in addition to its nutritional and medicinal value, is highly valued in ornamental gardening. Its ability to withstand pruning allows for the creation of dense hedges, live barriers, or small trees of special shapes, in addition to attracting butterflies and birds thanks to its flowers and fruits. The plant generally It is not toxic to petsHowever, accidental consumption by pets should always be supervised.
A curious fact is that its leaves, when crushed, release resins that help repel flies in breeding or composting areas.
La eugenia uniflora It is an ideal alternative for those who want to add color, aroma, food, and biodiversity to their gardens and orchards, while enjoying a hardy, decorative plant that is highly beneficial to health and the environment.