Purple Plum Cherry Live Plant (Eugenia sp)

A Rare Jewel from the Amazon: Purple Plum Cherry (Eugenia sp)

From the mysterious stretches of Brazil's western Amazon coast emerges a fruit tree that marries elegance with edibility — Purple Plum Cherry, a member of the Eugenia genus, and a true collector’s delight. Grown as much for its ornamental appeal as for its flavorful fruits, this exotic plant brings color, character, and a rare botanical charm to your home garden.

Botanical Profile & Growth Habit

• Scientific Classification: Eugenia species

• Common Name: Purple Plum Cherry

• Plant Type: Small, fruiting tree

• Height: Typically grows between 6 to 8 feet

• Structure: Open crown, with delicate branching and ornamental leaves

This rare species begins to bear fruit within 4 to 5 years, making it a desirable addition for those who admire both form and function in their gardens.

Aesthetic and Ornamental Value

The Purple Plum Cherry tree is as visually delightful as its name suggests. Its leaves are lush and glossy, contributing to its ornamental charm. When in fruit, the tree dazzles with clusters of deep purple cherries, each offering a striking contrast against the foliage. The fuzzy-seeded fruits are small, but generous in flesh, giving the plant both aesthetic appeal and practical bounty.

Fruit Flavor and Culinary Use

• Taste Profile: Sweet-acidic, refreshing, and fruity

• Texture: Juicy, soft flesh with a light fuzz around the seed

• Culinary Use: Best enjoyed fresh, right off the tree

The fruit is beloved locally for its sweet-acid flavor, striking a perfect balance between tangy and mellow, ideal for tropical palates. While it is typically consumed fresh, the fruit can also be incorporated into jams or preserved for natural desserts.

Traditional Significance and Native Cultivation

This Eugenia species is deeply rooted in Amazonian traditions, where it is both gathered from the wild and cultivated in homestead gardens. Its popularity in local culture is a testament to its usefulness, ease of growth, and charming appearance.

Maintenance & Growth Preferences

• Climate: Tropical to sub-tropical regions

• Soil: Well-drained, moderately fertile soil

• Light: Prefers partial to full sunlight

• Watering: Regular watering with good drainage

• Fruiting Time: Begins within 4-5 years under proper care

Its modest maintenance requirements and adaptability make it a great choice for both amateur and experienced gardeners.

Nutritional & Health Benefits

Though small in size, the Purple Plum Cherry holds within its flesh a number of health-enhancing properties:

• Packed with vitamin C, supporting immune strength

• Contains natural antioxidants, beneficial for cellular health

• Offers gentle digestive aid due to its fiber content

• Hydrating, refreshing, and low in calories — ideal for healthy snacking

Why Add Purple Plum Cherry to Your Garden?

• Rare and not widely available in the commercial market

• Combines beauty with usefulness, fitting into ornamental and edible landscapes

• A conversation piece for fruit enthusiasts and garden hobbyists

• Easy to grow and rewards patience with early fruiting

At Veliyath Gardens, the demand for this special plant has grown rapidly. Due to its limited availability, each new batch of Purple Plum Cherry plants is quickly claimed by collectors and home gardeners alike. This plant is not only a fruit bearer but also a living treasure from the Amazon — a story of flavor, heritage, and biodiversity wrapped in a single sapling.

We take pride in acting as an encyclopedia for rare fruits, making global botanical wonders accessible to Indian soil. Veliyath Gardens is among the first nurseries to introduce and share in-depth knowledge of these exceptional species, igniting curiosity and connection among plant lovers.