Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata)
Cherry of the Rio Grande, also known as Big River Cherry is a rare, beautiful tropical fruit tree native to Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay. It is a rare and unique Eugenia related to Surinam Cherry, Pitanga, Grumichama and Pitomba. Despite being a tropical plant, the Cherry of the Rio Grande is quite drought tolerant and mature trees will withstand a frost.
The oblong fruits emerge just weeks after flowering with a pale pink to red skin and mature to a dark red-wine and almost purple-black color. It has a bold, sweet flavor and can be described as a combination of cherry and plum, and some even say hints of banana. It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and high amounts of vitamins A and C, B-complex vitamins, as well as a small amount of iron, magnesium and potassium.
Plant Type:
Tropical/Subtropical Perennial Evergreen Fruit Tree/Fruiting Shrub
Harvest Season:
Spring, Summer, depending on variety
Mature Size:
6-25 ft tall, depending on variety
Soil & Moisture:
Likes moist, rich well-draining soil.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-12 with frost protection until established; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Small/Medium Pot Sizes: Grown from seed or tissue culture and will be mature enough to potentially fruit within 2-3 years.
Large Pot Size: Grown from seed or tissue culture and capable to produce within 1 year.
See More:
Shop all of our Eugenia varieties.
