Eugenia klotzschiana
| |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Eugenia klotzschiana |
| Common names | Pera-do-cerrado; Cerrado pear |
| Genus | Eugenia |
| Family | Myrtaceae |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Growth form | Deciduous shrub |
| Native range | Central and eastern Brazil |
| Mature size | 0.5–1.5 m |
| Climate and site | Seasonal Cerrado; savannas and open fields |
| Propagation | Seed |
| Fruit | Yellow, pear-shaped, juicy and acidic |
| Harvest | Wild harvest and occasional local cultivation in Brazil |
| Years to fruit | N/A |
Eugenia klotzschiana is a small deciduous shrub of the Brazilian Cerrado, also called pera-do-cerrado or Cerrado pear. It grows in central and eastern Brazil and produces an edible yellow, pear-shaped fruit with juicy, acidic pulp. The species is gathered in the wild and is occasionally cultivated locally for its fruit.[1][2]
Description[edit | edit source]
Eugenia klotzschiana is an accepted species in the family Myrtaceae and order Myrtales.[3] It is described as a small deciduous shrub, generally 50–150 cm tall. Its natural settings include savannas and open fields in central and eastern Brazil.[1][5]
Cultivation[edit | edit source]
Soil and water[edit | edit source]
In its native Cerrado setting, the shrub occurs in open, seasonally dry landscapes rather than continuously wet forest. Cultivation accounts describe success in a range of soils, with a preference for humus-rich soil; alkaline conditions may be unsuitable for members of the genus.[4]
Sun and humidity[edit | edit source]
The species is associated with open Cerrado and field habitats. A cultivation account indicates success in full sun or partial shade.[4]
Seasonal changes[edit | edit source]
The shrub is deciduous and occurs in seasonally dry Cerrado landscapes.[1]
Propagation[edit | edit source]
Seed is the documented propagation method for this species.[6] The species account does not specify germination time or age at first fruiting.[6]
Flowering, fruiting, and harvest[edit | edit source]
The fruit is described as yellow, pear-shaped, thin-skinned, juicy, and approximately 13 cm long by 7 cm wide, with reported weight of about 60–90 g in one Brazilian fruit description.[7] The species is harvested from the wild for local use and is occasionally cultivated in Brazil for its fruit.[1]
Fruit and uses[edit | edit source]
The aromatic fruit has thick, succulent pulp and an acidic flavor. It is eaten raw and is also used to make jellies.[1] No medicinal use is established in the plant account.[1]
Photos[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
Image credits[edit | edit source]
- Flickr - João de Deus Medeiros - Eugenia klotzschiana.jpg — creator João Medeiros; subject identified on the individual file page as Eugenia klotzschiana at Jardim Botânico de Brasília; CC BY 2.0; SHA-1: 321efbc2755b34452267997a316d1cabeb9f3674.
- Flickr - João de Deus Medeiros - Eugenia klotzschiana (1).jpg — creator João Medeiros; subject identified on the individual file page as Eugenia klotzschiana at Jardim Botânico de Brasília; CC BY 2.0; SHA-1: ae5ee5fb0329aefe4c3cfd005428ce16a48aeb25.
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