Cherry-Of-The-Rio-Grande
(Eugenia involucrata)
Cherry-Of-The-Rio-Grande (Eugenia involucrata)
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Alec McClay
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Alec McClay
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Alec McClay | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Alec McClay | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2017-10-20T14:56:13-07:00 |













Estimated Native Range
Summary
Eugenia involucrata, commonly known as Cherry-Of-The-Rio-Grande, is an evergreen shrub native to the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil, which includes a range of ecosystems such as coastal forests, high-altitude grasslands, and inland forests. This species is adapted to the warm, humid conditions of its native range and is often found in forest clearings and edges. It typically grows to a height of 6-15 feet (2-5 meters) with a similar spread, and has a dense, bushy habit. The plant produces white flowers in early spring, followed by small, round fruits that are dark red to purple when ripe, measuring about 1 inch in diameter. The fruits are known for their sweet cherry-like flavor and can be eaten fresh or used in jellies, jams, or juices.
Cherry-Of-The-Rio-Grande is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its showy fruits and ease of maintenance. It is suitable for urban gardens, as a border plant, or as a fruiting hedge. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with regular watering, particularly during bloom and fruit development. While it has good drought tolerance, consistent moisture is key to fruit size and quality. Fertilization with a balanced 1-1-1 ratio, such as 6-6-6 with magnesium, is recommended when planting. Pruning is minimal, usually for shaping or to maintain a desired size. Propagation is typically done by seeds, which germinate within a month, though it can take up to 5 years for plants to bear fruit. Grafting and cuttings are possible but have lower success rates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Cherry-Of-The-Rio-Grande is valued for its ornamental qualities, including its showy fruits and ease of maintenance. It is suitable for urban gardens, as a border plant, or as a fruiting hedge. The plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-drained soils with regular watering, particularly during bloom and fruit development. While it has good drought tolerance, consistent moisture is key to fruit size and quality. Fertilization with a balanced 1-1-1 ratio, such as 6-6-6 with magnesium, is recommended when planting. Pruning is minimal, usually for shaping or to maintain a desired size. Propagation is typically done by seeds, which germinate within a month, though it can take up to 5 years for plants to bear fruit. Grafting and cuttings are possible but have lower success rates.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 5-20 feet
- Width: 5-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Native to the Atlantic Forest biome in Brazil
Other Names
Common Names: Aggregate Eugenia, Cereja, Cereja-Do-Rio-Grande, Cerejeira, Cerejeira-Do-Mato
Scientific Names: , Eugenia involucrata, Eugenia bracteata, Phyllocalyx involucratus, Eugenia strictissima, Eugenia pallescens, Eugenia aemilii, Eugenia involucrata var. minutifolia, Eugenia paraguayensis, Phyllocalyx laevigatus
GBIF Accepted Name: Eugenia involucrata DC.