Surinam cherry

Also known as: Brazilian cherry, Eugenia uniflora

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Last updated

July 23, 2026

Quick Summary

The Surinam cherry, also known as the Brazilian cherry or Cayenne cherry, is a plant native to eastern South America. It is often cultivated in warmer climates for its edible fruit. The fruit, which resembles a cherry, is aromatic and can range in flavor from tart to sweet.12

The Surinam cherry belongs to the Eugenia genus, which includes many species of shrubs and trees known for their edible fruits and use as ornamentals. Some species within this genus also yield valuable lumber.1

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Eugenia
Major species
…Surinam, or Brazilian, cherry (Eugenia uniflora), native to eastern South America. The plant is often grown as a privacy hedge and for its edible fruits, which range in flavour from tart to sweet. The rainforest plum (E. candolleana) and uvaia, or uvalha (E. pyriformis), both of Brazil, are also…
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…Surinam, or Brazilian, cherry (Eugenia uniflora), native to eastern South America. The plant is often grown as a privacy hedge and for its edible fruits, which range in flavour from tart to sweet. The rainforest plum (E. candolleana) and uvaia, or uvalha (E. pyriformis), both of Brazil, are also…
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invasive species
A global problem
Cherry guava (Psidium cattleianum), Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), Arabian coffee (Coffea arabica), lantana (Lantana camara), and the ice cream bean (Inga edulis) are all invasive species that were brought as food or ornamental plants and escaped cultivation.
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Cherry guava (Psidium cattleianum), Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), Arabian coffee (Coffea arabica), lantana (Lantana camara), and the ice cream bean (Inga edulis) are all invasive species that were brought as food or ornamental plants and escaped cultivation.
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