Eugenia uniflora, with common names pitanga, Suriname cherry, Brazilian cherry, Cayenne cherry, or Cerisier Carré is a plant in the family Myrtaceae, native to tropical South America’s east coast. This cherry is often used in gardens as a hedge.
The Brazilian cherry tree is a member of the Myrtaceae family and is related to guava, mountain apple, jaboticaba and other Eugenia members. This shrub, often referred to as a tree, is also more commonly known as Surinam cherry or Florida cherry, due to the naturalization of the shrub throughout the state. Surinam makes an excellent hedge or screen with smooth, resinous, aromatic leaves which are brilliantly red when young. These small, thin leaves are receptive to pruning, and the plant remains dense down to its base, making it ideal for hedges. The tree attains a height of 25 feet (7.5 m.) with a high, slender, spreading habit. The small, white, aromatic blooms are followed by red, ribbed berries that make for eye-popping color in the landscape.
