Eugenia involucrata

Cherry of the Rio Grande
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Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Myrtales
Family:	Myrtaceae
Genus:	Eugenia
Species:	E. involucrata
Binomial name
Eugenia involucrata DC.
Synonyms
List Eugenia aemilii Barb. Rodr. Eugenia aggregata (Vell.) Kiaersk. nom. illeg. Eugenia bracteata Vell. nom. illeg. Eugenia laevigata (O.Berg) D.Legrand nom. illeg. Eugenia minutifolia (Mattos & D.Legrand) Mattos Eugenia pallescens Kiaersk. Eugenia paraguayensis Barb. Rodr. Eugenia stricta (O.Berg) Kiaersk. nom. illeg. Eugenia strictissima Govaerts Myrtus aggregata Vell. Phyllocalyx cerasiflorus O.Berg nom. illeg. Phyllocalyx involucratus (DC.) O.Berg Phyllocalyx laevigatus O.Berg Phyllocalyx strictus O.Berg Stenocalyx involucratus (DC.) Kausel

The Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata) is an evergreen shrub native to Brazil which bears small fruits that are dark red to purple in color and have a sweet cherry-like flavor.

Cultural Practices

Cherries of the Rio Grande are easy to grow, requiring relatively little maintenance for the growth of healthy, productive plants. Fruit size and quality depends to a large extent on proper nourishment and an adequate water supply at the time of fruit development. When first planted, they need a complete fertilizer in a 1-1-1 ratio, such as 6-6-6, that also contains magnesium. Start with no more than 1/4 pound at monthly or bi-monthly intervals, increasing the rates commensurate with growth. If iron deficiency in calcareous soils is a problem, this element should be applied as Sequestrene 138, injected or drenched into the soil when needed. Nutritional sprays to supply other minor elements should also be applied as needed. After the tree has matured, a fertilizer such as 8-3-9 with 5% MgO is more appropriate. The plants should be supplied with adequate water at all times but especially during bloom and fruit development. The cherry of the Rio Grande has fairly good drought tolerance. The cherry of the Rio Grande requires very little pruning to make an attractive tree and it is seldom pruned to make a hedge.

Blooming Habits

In Florida, the cherry of the Rio Grande starts blooming in the first part of March. The flowering season lasts several months, occasionally until May. The flowers are white.

Fruiting Habits

The fruit ripens on the bush 3 weeks after the blossom. It is red to deep purple about 1 inch diameter with a sweet cherry taste. The fruit can also be used for jelly, jam or juice.

Propagation

This species is generally propagated by seeds. Seeds usually germinate in less than a month, but can take 5 years to produce. The better selections can be veneer grafted, or reproduced by cuttings, although grafting has a low success rate.

External links

• Cherry of the Rio Grande – Trade Winds Fruit
• Eugenia Species