Cherry of the Rio Grande, Eugenia aggregata, is a small evergreen, highly ornamental, frequently a multi-branching fruit bearing tree or large shrub, growing 3-8 meters tall. Eugenia aggregata is a member of the family Myrtaceae the genus Eugenia a tropical plant native to the Brazilian region.


Leaves are 5-8cm long, dark glossy-green, smooth and slightly folded down the center. Flowers are small, solitary, white, born in early springtime in the axils of opposite bracts. Flowers are followed by deep red to purple plum sized fruit around 3 weeks from the time of flowering resembling the fruit of many other Eugenia species.

Eugenia aggregata produces abundance of fruit that grows at the base of new shoots. It has a pleasing sweet juicy cherry flavor and commonly eaten fresh or can be picked at maturity, frozen for later use or utilized in jellies, jams, juices, preserves, pies and cakes. Fruiting season goes on for several months into summertime. This fruit is for the tropics the alternative for Cherry, Prunus avium.

Cherry of the Rio Grande is a hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures below zero degrees, when mature, while younger plants should be sheltered from frosts. It requires regularly irrigation during flowering and fruit development time though the tree itself, if you are not anticipating fruit quality and quantity in a drier year, is reasonably drought tolerant.

Propagation is by seed, which looses viability somewhat quickly, especially if seeds have been left to dry out. Trees may produce fruit within five years from seed. Cherry of the Rio Grande grows well in full sun or part shade. The plant is tolerant to a mixture of soils, but grows best in somewhat acidic soil.

This compact tree is perfect for small groves or back yard garden and it is well fitted to container growing. It could also be used to create a hedge. Eugenia aggregata is expecting very little attention and pruning to keep it looking its best.


Cherry of the Rio Grande, Eugenia aggregata

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