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Kampala Tree and Palm Directory

Tree Species

Common Name

Tree Description

Tree Uses

English: Brazil cherry, Surinam cherry, pitanga.

Flowers

+ Tree Species

Eugenia uniflora (E. michelii)

+ Tree Family

Myrtaceae

+ Ecology

A native of South America introduced to Uganda. Often found near church missions. In Kampala, this tree can be found within Makerere university among other places.

+ Description

An evergreen shrub or small tree 2-3 m high.

BARK: brown.

LEAVES: simple and opposite, shiny dark green, oval and pointed, quite small. New leaves deep purple-red.

FLOWERS: small and solitary with numerous white stamens.

FRUIT: bright red when ripe. The soft edible fruit is rounded and ridged to 2.5 cm across with hard smooth round seeds inside.

+ Uses

Edible: fruit is eaten and can also be made into jams, jellies, pies, juices, sherbets etc., aromatic leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Medicine: the leaves, fruits, compounds in the stems and leaves. http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php id=Eugenia+uniflora

Agroforestry: are tolerant of shearing and can be grown as a hedge.

The leaves are used as an insect repellent.

The bark is rich in tannin, containing 20 - 28% tannin.

The wood is used locally for items such as tool handles.

+ Propagation

Seeds, Layering, grafting.

+ Management

Tolerates heavy pruning.

+ Remarks

It is widely cultivated in the tropics, including Uganda, as a hedge. The leaves are aromatic when crushed and are said to repel flies. The fruit are juicy and used to make jelly and jam. Plant as an orchard tree, as a hedge or as an ornamental. When bruised, crushed or cut, the leaves and branches have a spicy resinous fragrance, which can cause respiratory discomfort in susceptible individuals.