Surinam Cherry Black Live Plants (Eugenia Uniflora)

The tough, quick-growing Surinam Cherries, or Eugenia Uniflora, are a native of South America. Brazilian cherries, Florida cherries, Cayenne cherries, and Pitanga Cherriugenia are additional names for Surinam Cherries. A big shrub or small tree with a conical shape, Eugenia uniflora has four white petals on long, slender stalks for its flowers. The common bright-red variety and the more uncommon dark-crimson to nearly black variety are two separate species. In Kona, Hawaii, the black-fruited Surinam cherry is known as “Kawahara.”

The skin of Surinam cherries is thin, smooth, delicate, and glossy. Surinam cherries are little fruits with an ovate to spherical, heavily ribbed shape that displays 7-8 vertical ridges. Depending on the cultivar, the fruit’s surface will change from shades of red to black and scarlet when it is mature. The fruit of Surinam cherry is a deep, rich black colour and easily detaches from the stem. The flavour of this deep-black fruit is outstanding; it is sweeter and less resinous than the red fruit.

Cherries from Surinam are a good source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system, and vitamin A, which keeps organs operating normally. The fruits also contain Hemoglobin for oxygen transfer through the bloodstream, Iron to produce protein, Calcium and Phosphorus to strengthen bones and teeth, and Antioxidants to shield cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Common Name: Black Surinam Cherry

Botanical Name: Eugenia Uniflora

Bloom Time/Fruiting: 3-4 Years

Maintenance Required: Moderate