Surinam Cherry | Sweet-Tart Red Tropical Fruit Shrub

Chamba Surinman Cherry

24" Box

$999.99

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Chamba Surinman Cherry

Eugenia uniflora ‘Pitanga’

Fast-Growing Ornamental Hedge • Unique Ribbed, Pumpkin-Shaped Fruit • Complex, Resinous Flavor

$999.99

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Surinam Cherry, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is a vibrant and fast-growing evergreen hedge plant that doubles as a unique fruit producer. This versatile shrub is instantly recognizable by its glossy, aromatic foliage and distinctive ribbed, pumpkin-shaped fruit that ripens from green to bright orange-red. The flavor is a complex and intriguing mix of sweet, tart, and resinous notes, often compared to a cross between a tomato and a cherry. While its taste can be polarizing, its ornamental value, ease of growth, and use in preserves make it a fascinating addition to warm-climate gardens.

Produces unique, deeply ribbed, pumpkin-shaped fruit that transitions from green to orange to deep red.
Flavor is complex and resinous, ranging from tart to sweet, with hints of pine, mango, and tomato.
The leaves are highly aromatic when crushed, often used in teas and for their fragrance.
An exceptionally fast-growing plant, perfect for creating a dense, evergreen privacy screen or hedge.
Self-pollinating and fruits heavily multiple times per year in warm climates.
Very adaptable and drought-tolerant once established; can handle poor soils.

Flavor Profile:

Flavor: A unique blend of sweet and sour with strong resinous, piney, or sometimes bitter notes. The deepest red, fully ripe fruits are the sweetest.
Texture: Juicy and thin-skinned, with a single large seed or occasionally two.
Best Uses: Best enjoyed fresh when fully ripe (dark red). Excellent for making unique jams, jellies, sauces, and liqueurs where sugar balances its tartness. Often used as an ornamental hedge.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Features:Foliage: Small, elongated-oval leaves with a leathery texture, glossy green.Flowers: Clusters of tiny white blossoms; self-pollinating.Fruit: Deep orange skin with a single seed. Flavor ranges from tart to sweet to rich—juicy and tropical. Traditionally valued for its sleep-promoting properties and potential health benefits (may aid diabetes, blood pressure, and fever reduction). Best enjoyed fresh (chilling enhances flavor), or used in jams, jellies, desserts, and fruit salads.Habit: Fast-growing evergreen, ideal for edible hedges or ornamental screening.
Mature Height: 15-25 ft (prunable)
Mature Width: 10-15 ft
Growth Rate: Fast
Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade
Key Advantages:Dual-purpose (ornamental + medicinal fruit).Self-fertile and low-maintenance.Heat and drought-tolerant once established.Excellent privacy hedge
Landscape Uses:Edible landscaping.Tropical hedgerows.Medicinal gardens

Q: Why does it sometimes taste bitter or like turpentine?
A: The resinous, pine-like flavor comes from volatile oils in the skin, which are strongest when the fruit is underripe or from certain seedling varieties. Selecting deep red, fully ripe fruit and choosing named sweet cultivars (like 'Zill Dark') can minimize this.

Q: Can I really use it as a hedge?
A: Absolutely. It is one of the best fast-growing, dense, evergreen hedging plants for frost-free areas. It responds beautifully to shearing and forms an impenetrable, aromatic screen. The bonus fruit is a lovely seasonal treat.

Q: Are there health benefits?
A: Like many brightly colored fruits, it is rich in vitamins (especially Vitamin C and A) and antioxidants. Traditional uses exist, but it should be enjoyed primarily as a food. Consult a healthcare professional for medical advice.