Cherry-of-the-rio grande
StarEugenia involucrata
Synonyms: Eugenia minutifolia, Eugenia obtusa, Stenocalyx involucratus, Eugenia incertissima, Phyllocalyx calycinus, Phyllocalyx strictus, Phyllocalyx cerasiflorus, Phyllocalyx riedelianus, Phyllocalyx calystegius, Phyllocalyx regelianus, Phyllocalyx formosus, Eugenia neoformosa, Eugenia stricta, Eugenia cavalcanteana, Eugenia involucrata var. minutifolia, Eugenia strictissima, Eugenia aemilii, Eugenia jaguariaivensis var. brevipedunculata, Eugenia pallescens, Eugenia jaguariaivensis, Eugenia calystegia, Eugenia calycina var. herbacea, Eugenia goyazensis, Phyllocalyx laevigatus, Eugenia suffrutescens, Myrtus aggregata, Eugenia suffrutescens var. brevipedunculata, Eugenia formosa, Phyllocalyx involucratus, Phyllocalyx herbaceus, Eugenia lundiana, Eugenia calycina, Eugenia aggregata, Eugenia chodatii, Eugenia paraguayensis, Eugenia bracteata
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In southern Brazilian folk medicine the leaves of cereja-do-rio-grande are prepared as an infusion taken for diarrhoea and poor digestion, while the sweet dark fruits are widely eaten fresh and made into juices and preserves (Lorenzi / ethnobotanical survey of E. involucrata, Santa Catarina).
Gallery
Botanical Description
Eugenia involucrata, the cherry-of-the-Rio-Grande or cereja-do-rio-grande, is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), reaching about 3-10 m, with smooth, flaking, pale bark. The opposite, glossy, lance-shaped leaves are dark green and gland-dotted, releasing a faint aroma when crushed, and emerge with a bronze tint. The white flowers have four petals and numerous prominent stamens and are borne on slender stalks in the leaf axils. They develop into oblong, dark red to nearly black, cherry-like fleshy fruits with sweet, juicy pulp and one or two seeds. The species is native to the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil and adjacent Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay, where it grows in moist forest and along watercourses, and is cultivated in subtropical regions for its edible fruit.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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