Guajai -Una Fruit Plant (Eugenia capitulifera)

Common Name: Guajai -Una

Botanical Name: Eugenia capitulifera

General Information: Guajai-Una is a rare Eugenia species from the Myrtaceae family, native to the Atlantic Forest of Espirito Santo, Rio de Janeiro, and Paraná in Brazil. This medium-sized tree reaches 2 to 3 meters in full sun and up to 8 meters in the forest. The edible fruits are both gathered from the wild and cultivated in home gardens. Fruiting occurs from July to September, and the fruits are known for their pleasant flavor. They are consumed fresh, used in juices, and even made into ice cream. The tree's flowers have beekeeping potential, and the winter-ripening fruits serve as a crucial food source for birds and other animals.

Nutritional Information: Guajai-Una holds ecological significance as it contributes to the biodiversity of the Atlantic Forest. It is a source of nutrition for wildlife and plays a role in the pollination process. Additionally, the plant has pharmacological properties, with its essential oil exhibiting antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antitumor, and analgesic qualities. It also demonstrates antiviral, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activities, making it a subject of interest in folk medicine.

Cultivation Information:

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3 to 4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate