Native & adapted

Grumichama

Eugenia brasiliensis

Also known as Brazil cherry · Grumixama · Anh đào ngọt Brazil

A compact Brazilian tree with glossy leaves and dark cherry-like fruit that tastes much like jaboticaba. Can be grown as a small tree or an edible hedge.

EdibleFruitingEvergreenContainer friendly

Landscape layersLower canopy · Hedging

Mature size

10–15 ft tall and 8–10 ft wide

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing

8–10 ft apart

Frost

Mature plants survive brief dips to about 26°F; young plants damaged near 30°F.

Special categories

EDIBLE

Hardiness guidance

USDA 9b–11; mature plants take brief dips to about 26°F

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

Late spring to early summer, about a month after flowering.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Slightly acidic, rich, fast-draining soil. Add soil sulfur and compost.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

East-facing spot or filtered shade, sheltered from hot wind.

Cold hardiness

Cover in a hard freeze below 26°F

Mature trees survive about 26°F, so a typical Phoenix frost is OK. Cover young plants on frost nights and everything in a hard freeze.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 26°F

Heat tolerance

Needs afternoon shade

It struggles with long dry seasons, and Phoenix air is about as dry as it gets. Give it filtered or afternoon shade and steady water.

Sources:

growables.org

Right plant, right place

Will Grumichama grow at your Arizona property?

Slow growing. Good in a large container.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Morning sun with afternoon shade from June through September, such as the east side of a house or under a taller nurse tree. Protect from frost on winter nights.

Water

Irrigation

Moderate to high and steady.

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fertile.

Harvest

How to use it

Fresh, or in jams and pies.

Planting & stewardship

How to help Grumichama thrive

1
Shade from afternoon sun when it is hot.
2
Feed with an acid-forming fertilizer in spring and summer.
3
Keep soil evenly moist.
4
Net the plant as fruit ripens to keep birds off.

Read the horticultural reference ↗