Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora)
Surinam Cherry is a perennial evergreen fruit tree that produces an abundance of bright red tropical cherry fruit. The unique fruit is equally delicious, nutritious, and ornamental and has a rich, sweet, unique flavor. Ripe Surinam cherries are soft to the touch with a thin skin, they are tart and acidic. The fruit is best when totally ripe, dark in color, and soft to the touch. Under ripe fruit is often bitter and astringent.
Surinam Cherry plants are very vigorous and fast growers. It's primarily grown as a hedge and will succeed in a variety of locations, reaching up to 10-12 feet tall and wide if given the space.
Surnam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora) is known by many names throughout the tropical world, including pitanga, Suriname cherry, Brazilian cherry, Cayenne cherry, cerisier carré, monkimonki kersie or ñangapirí, is a flowering plant in the family Myrtaceae, native to tropical South America's east coast ranging from Suriname and French Guiana to southern Brazil, as well as Uruguay and parts of Paraguay and Argentina. Surinam Cherries can be found growing in most tropical regions around the world, from the Philippines to Hawaii, and from Haiti to the West African country of Nigeria.
Quick Care Guide
| Plant Type: | Perennial Fruit-Bearing Shrub/Tree |
| Harvest Season: | Late Spring to Early Summer (varies by species) |
| Mature Size: | Varies by species; typically 6-30 feet tall |
| Soil & Moisture: | Well-draining, slightly acidic soil; regular watering |
| Light Requirements: | Full Sun to Partial Shade |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Self-fertile: | Yes (most species) |
| Zone Hardiness: | Outdoors 9-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+ |
| Propagation: | Our medium pot size plants are grown from seeds or cuttings; capable of producing fruit within 3-5 years. X-Large Pot size plants are capable of flowering and fruiting now. |
About Eugenias
Common Names: Eugenia, Pitanga, Surinam Cherry, Grumichama, Brazilian Cherry
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Tropical and Subtropical regions of South America, including Brazil
Eugenia is a diverse genus of tropical and subtropical fruit-bearing trees and shrubs known for their flavorful fruits, attractive appearance, and ornamental value. This group includes popular varieties such as Surinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), Grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis), and Pitanga (Eugenia pitanga). Renowned for their glossy evergreen foliage, fragrant flowers, and tasty fruits, Eugenias are prized additions to gardens, particularly in warm regions. The fruits range in flavor from sweet to tangy, making them ideal for fresh eating, jams, jellies, and beverages.
Shop all of our Eugenia varieties.
Plant Type:
Perennial Evergreen Fruit Tree / Fruiting Shrub
Harvest Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter (depending on location)
In Florida, the largest crop is in the Spring with a second smaller crop in the summer. Surinam Cherry fruits can develop and ripen quickly, only 3-4 weeks after the flowers open!
Mature Size:
10-12 ft tall and wide
Soil & Moisture:
Likes moist, rich well-draining soil.
Surinam Cherry Trees respond quickly to irrigation, the fruit rapidly becoming larger and sweeter in flavor after a good watering.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-12 (frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Medium Pot Size: Our Surinam Cherry seedlings were cultivated from hand-selected varieties of great producing trees with optimal flavored fruit collected throughout our food forest. They are capable of fruiting within 1-2 years.
X-Large Pot Size: Our Grafted Black Surinam Cherry trees are capable of fruiting now.
See More:Shop all of our Surinam Cherry tree varieties.
Shop all of our Eugenia varieties.
