Pitangatuba (Eugenia neonitida)
Native to Brazil, the rare, bright yellow Pitangatuba fruit has a very unique and extremely powerful flavor. Pitangatuba fruit tastes simultaneously sweet, and acidic, with a apricot-meets-mango-like flavor that's really unlike anything you've ever experienced.
Bright yellow Pitangatuba fruit is very soft and full of juice, with a unique tartness that's also remarkably similar to apricot. The incredibly fragrant fruit has a brief window of ripeness despite it's nearly ever bearing nature, and will likely never be found in grocery stores due to its short short shelf life. Stout and shrub-like, unlike other Eugenia species, Pitangatuba is known to flower quickly once established. Pitangatuba fruit trees are very fast growing and thrive in subtropical-level humidity and full sun and light shade.
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:
Tropical/Subtropical Perennial Evergreen Fruit Tree/Fruiting Shrub
Harvest Season:
Spring, Summer
Mature Size:
Up to 6-12 ft tall with a canopy spread of up to 4 ft.
Soil & Moisture:
Likes moist, rich well-draining soil. Pitangatuba trees respond quickly to irrigation, the fruit rapidly becoming larger and more flavorful in flavor after a good watering.
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.
