Common names are Barbados cherry, Brazilian cherry, Cayenne cherry, Florida cherry, Pumpkin cherry, and French cherry. The botanical name is Eugenia uniflora and belongs to Myrtaceae (Bottlebrush) family. Surinam Cherry is native to Surinam, Guyana, southern Brazil, parts of Uruguay, and French Guiana. This tree grows well in the tropical regions of India.
Surinam Cherry is a small tree and grows to a height of 8 meters. The leaves are copper color when young and turn into glossy green. The leaves are 4 cm long.
The flowers are long-stalked, white, either single or 3 to 4 blooms together on the leaf axils. Flower has 4 petals and are fragrant.
The fruits are yellow to red, 7 to 8 ribbed and up to 2 cm in diameter. Surinam Cherries go through colourful phases to end in a deep red.
The fruit tastes good when it is deep red. Taste is sweet to sour depending on the ripeness.
The fruit is rich in Vitamin C and is used to make Jams and Jellies. The fruits are also added in fruit salads.
Because of its multi-colour fruits, Surinam Cherry tree is popular as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Traditional medicine in South America and Brazil uses the leaves of Surinam Cherry tree to cure many ailments.
