Murtinha Cherry Live Plant (Myrcia sp. "Cambuí Preto")

Murtinha Cherry (Myrcia sp. "Cambuí Preto") – A Rare Dwarf Delight from Chapada Diamantina

An Exotic Gem for Compact Gardens

Common Name: Murtinha Cherry, Cambuí Preto
Botanical Name: Myrcia sp. “Cambuí Preto”

Tucked away in the rocky highlands of Chapada Diamantina, Brazil, the Murtinha Cherry, known locally as Cambuí Preto, is a lesser-known but truly exceptional dwarf fruit plant. This tiny yet tough Myrcia species belongs to the diverse Myrtaceae family, famed for its fruiting trees like guavas, jaboticabas, and pitangas. What sets this plant apart is its miniaturized stature, striking ornamental foliage, and astonishingly sweet, jet-black fruits — all packed into a tree that barely reaches shrub height.

Botanical Beauty with a Bold Personality

• Grows compact, making it ideal for containers, patios, bonsai pots, or small-space tropical gardens

• Super pubescent leaves — a soft, fuzzy texture on small leaves, giving the plant a silvery charm under sunlight

• Highly decorative, with a tight growth habit and tidy branching

• Makes an eye-catching showpiece, even when not in fruit

This is one of the few exotic fruit plants that combines aesthetics with edibility so seamlessly.

Fruit Features and Flavor Experience

Though small in form, this tree delivers fruits that stand out:

• Color: Glossy black when fully ripe

• Size: Surpasses the leaf size — an unusual trait in dwarf Myrtaceae species

• Taste:

  • Lusciously sweet, sometimes compared to black grapes

  • Very low astringency; the mild tang is almost undetectable

  • Juicy, tender pulp perfect for fresh eating

The fruits ripen gradually, making harvest a pleasure across several days. They can be eaten directly off the plant or added to fruit bowls, syrups, or light preserves.

Native Roots and Cultural Significance

The term “Cambuí” is traditionally used in Brazil for a range of native, berry-like fruits. “Preto” meaning “black,” refers to the fruit color of this unique species. In the Chapada Diamantina region, local communities regard this plant as a forest jewel, often grown not just for its fruit, but as a landscape enhancer and for shade in small homestead gardens.

Nutritional and Health Benefits

Although formal scientific studies on Myrcia sp. Cambuí Preto are limited, its family traits suggest a nutrient-rich profile:

• Rich in antioxidants, including anthocyanins (responsible for its dark color)

• Supports immune function and may help protect cells from oxidative stress

• Provides fiber, aiding digestion and gut health

• Contains vitamin C, known for boosting skin vitality and immune defenses

• Traditionally, Myrcia species have been used in folk remedies for managing blood sugar and inflammation

Eating a handful of these dark berries is both a delightful and wholesome habit.

Growing and Caring for Murtinha Cherry

This plant’s compact growth and adaptability make it suitable for both beginner and seasoned growers:

• Climate: Tropical to subtropical; benefits from humidity

• Soil: Prefers loamy, slightly acidic soil with good drainage

• Light: Thrives in filtered sun or partial shade

• Watering: Needs regular watering during dry periods, but dislikes soggy roots

• Fruiting Time: Typically fruits within 3–4 years from planting

• Maintenance Level: Low to moderate — occasional pruning helps maintain shape

It’s particularly well-suited to urban gardens, balconies, and terrace growers who want an edible landscape without the space demands of a large fruit tree.

Preservation and Usage Tips

• Storage: Fruits are delicate and best enjoyed fresh, though refrigeration can keep them up to 3 days

• Preservation: Can be used to make small-batch jams, fermented drinks, or fruit pastes

• Creative Culinary Uses:

  • Blend into smoothies for natural sweetness

  • Infuse into honey or vinegar for a gourmet touch

  • Add to salads or desserts as an exotic accent

Why You Should Grow Cambuí Preto

This isn’t just a fruit tree — it’s a compact experience of flavor, culture, and botanical wonder:

• Fits beautifully into space-limited gardens

• Combines ornamental charm with edible rewards

• Promotes biodiversity and highlights rare Brazilian flora

• Offers an easy-care option for those who want both beauty and harvest

Limited Availability at Veliyath Gardens

Due to the high demand among rare fruit collectors and the slow propagation rate of this species, the Murtinha Cherry Live Plant is available only in limited batches. Veliyath Gardens is proud to introduce this variety to Indian enthusiasts for the very first time — making it a pioneering effort in documenting and cultivating rare fruit species in this part of the world.

Veliyath Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Rare Edible Plants

At Veliyath Gardens, we don’t just grow rare plants — we also share their stories. Our mission is to serve as an information hub for fruit enthusiasts, making knowledge accessible alongside plant availability. By featuring treasures like Myrcia sp. Cambuí Preto, we aim to help gardeners connect with global biodiversity in their own backyards.

Final Note

If you’re looking for a fruit plant that is compact, gorgeous, productive, and unique — the Murtinha Cherry is your answer. Add it to your garden, your collection, or your heart. And when someone asks about that silver-leafed beauty bearing tiny black gems, you’ll have quite a story to tell.