Black Brazilian Cherry Tree PLANT – Sweet & Juicy – Black Beauty – Untreated & Heirloom – Eugenia uniflora
Bring a taste of the Brazilian tropics to your own garden with this untreated, heirloom Black Brazilian Cherry tree (Eugenia uniflora), also known as Black Beauty Surinam Cherry or Pitanga. This slow‑growing, evergreen shrub or small tree produces masses of deeply ribbed, dark purple‑to‑black cherries that are bursting with sweet, juicy, slightly resinous flavour – a far cry from the tart red Surinam cherries you may have tried.
When fully ripe (almost black), the fruit is sweet, aromatic, and deliciously complex, with hints of berry, tropical fruit, and a touch of spice. It is perfect for fresh eating, jams, jellies, juices, and desserts. The tree itself is ornamental, with glossy, bronze‑tinged new growth and small, fragrant white flowers that attract bees. In cooler parts of Australia, you can grow it in a large pot and bring it indoors or into a sheltered position during winter.
Note: Some sources say that it may become weedy. It never happened at my place, but please check with your local authorities if you are allowed to grow it in your area.
Uses:
Fresh Eating: Eat ripe, dark purple‑to‑black fruits straight from the tree. They are sweet, juicy, and highly addictive.
Jams & Jellies: Makes an excellent, richly coloured jam or jelly with a unique tropical flavour.
Juices & Smoothies: Blend the fresh fruit (straining out the seeds) into juices, smoothies, or cocktails for a vibrant, sweet addition.
Desserts: Use in fruit salads, tarts, pies, ice cream toppings, or as a glaze for cakes.
Fermentation: Can be used to make fruit wines, syrups, or shrub (drinking vinegar).
Nutrients & Health Benefits:
The black Brazilian cherry is not only delicious but also offers a range of nutritional benefits.
Rich in Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that supports immune function, skin health, and collagen production.
High in Vitamin A: Essential for eye health, immune function, and cellular growth.
Contains B Vitamins: Includes B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), and B3 (niacin), which help convert food into energy.
Mineral Content: Provides calcium, iron, phosphorus, and magnesium.
Antioxidants: The dark purple‑black colour comes from anthocyanins – potent antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Carotenoids: Contains beta‑cryptoxanthin and lycopene, which are beneficial for heart and skin health.
Traditional Use: In Brazilian folk medicine, the leaves (not the fruit) are used in teas to help reduce fever and treat digestive issues – always research before using leaves.
Note: Always do your own research before using any plant medicinally, especially if pregnant, nursing, or on medication. The fruit is safe to eat, but the leaves contain essential oils that should be consumed with caution.
Growing Conditions & Planting Tips (Indoors & Outdoors):
The Black Brazilian Cherry is adaptable and relatively easy to grow, especially in warm climates.
Climate: Best suited for tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions (QLD, NSW, VIC, SA, northern WA). It tolerates light frost once established, but young plants are frost‑sensitive. In colder areas (e.g., southern VIC, TAS), grow it in a large pot and move it to a sheltered indoor spot or greenhouse during winter.
Position: Prefers full sun for the best fruit production. It tolerates partial shade, but you will get fewer and less sweet fruits. Indoors, place it near a north‑ or west‑facing window with as much light as possible.
Soil: Loves well‑drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Enrich with compost or organic matter at planting time. Raised garden beds or large pots with good drainage are ideal.
Watering: Water regularly, especially during the first two years. Keep the soil evenly moist but not waterlogged. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance, but consistent moisture produces better fruit.
Fertilising: Feed with a balanced organic fertiliser in early spring, early summer, and again in early autumn. Avoid high‑nitrogen fertilisers, which promote leaves over fruit.
Pruning: Prune lightly after fruiting to maintain shape and size. Remove any dead or crossing branches. It can be kept as a shrub or trained into a small tree.
Fruiting: Plants grown from cuttings may fruit within 1–2 years. Seed‑grown plants can take 3–5 years. The fruit ripens from green to orange to red to dark purple‑black – the darker the sweeter.
Container growing: Grows very well in a large pot (at least 40–50 cm deep and wide). Use a premium potting mix and ensure drainage holes. In cool climates, you can move the pot indoors or into a garage over winter.
Care After Receiving Your Plant:
Your Black Brazilian Cherry Tree plant has been grown with love. Follow these steps for a smooth transition:
Unpack immediately – Remove the plant from packaging. Check the soil; if dry, give it a light drink.
Rest & recover – Place the plant in a sheltered, shaded spot out of strong wind for 2–3 days to reduce transplant shock.
Slow sun introduction – Most of our plants grow in partial shade. Introduce to full sun gradually over 7–10 days to avoid leaf burn.
Transplant – Re‑pot into a larger pot (at least 30 cm deep initially, then eventually 50 cm) or plant directly into the ground when roots fill the current pot. Space multiple trees about 3–4 metres apart.
Planting depth – Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball. Do not plant deeper than it was in the pot.
Water in well – Give it a deep, thorough watering straight after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first few months.
Mulch lightly – A thin layer of sugar cane or straw mulch helps retain moisture, but keep it away from the stem.
Stake if needed – In windy areas, provide a small stake for support until the trunk thickens.
No fertiliser for 4 weeks – Let the plant settle before feeding.
What You Will Receive:
One young, healthy Black Brazilian Cherry Tree plant in a small pot, grown untreated and heirloom, naturally with love in my permaculture food forest (Pacific Haven, QLD).
Shipping & Important Notes:
Dispatch: We usually send plants on Mondays to ensure they arrive fresh and before the weekend.
Shipping locations: Sending within Australia only, excluding Norfolk Island, NT, SA, TAS, and WA.
Pickup: Available by appointment from Pacific Haven, QLD.
Please Note: Do your own research before trying any new foods or herbal remedies. The fruit is edible and safe when fully ripe (black), but unripe (green to red) fruit is very tart and can cause stomach upset in large quantities. Also refer to our full disclaimer in the footer of this page.
