Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Eugenia uniflora, commonly known as Surinam cherry, Brazil cherry, or pitanga, is a small tropical tree or shrub native to South America, including Brazil, Suriname, and surrounding regions. It is widely grown in warm climates for its attractive, glossy green foliage, fragrant white flowers, and distinctive ribbed fruits that range in color from orange to deep red or almost black when ripe. The fruit has a sweet to tart flavor and is used fresh or in juices, jams, and desserts. Because of its ornamental appeal and ability to form dense hedges, Surinam cherry has been commonly planted in residential landscapes and gardens throughout Hawaiʻi.

Risks & Threats
Surinam cherry is naturalized on Kauaʻi, Oʻahu, Molokaʻi, Lānaʻi, and Maui, and possesses traits that raise significant concern for Hawaiʻi’s ecosystems. It produces abundant fruit that is readily dispersed by birds and other animals, allowing it to spread into natural areas where it can form dense thickets. These thickets can outcompete and displace native vegetation, reducing biodiversity and altering habitat structure. Its adaptability to a range of conditions further increases its invasive potential in tropical island environments. Because this species is already established and spreading, it could detrimentally impact sensitive ecosystems if left unmanaged. For these reasons, it is recommended to avoid planting Surinam cherry and instead choose low-risk or native alternatives better suited to Hawaiʻi’s unique environment.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Maui, Lanai and probably Hawaii Island; also naturalized in Australia, South Africa, the continental US (Florida) and the West Indies
  
• An environmental weed in Australia and Florida, reported to form dense stands that reduce native biodiversity
  
• Host of fruit flies, as well as other fungal pathogens of Myrtaceae Tolerates many soil types (potential to spread not limited by substrate)
  
• May form thickets within native and introduced range
  
• Reproduces by seeds, and possibly by suckering
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Reaches maturity in as little as two years (although may take longer)
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, pigs, other fruit eating animals and intentionally by people
  
• Tolerates repeated and severe pruning

Low Risk Traits:

• Naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, but no reports to date of impacts to native ecosystems
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Palatable to browsing animals and may provide fodder for livestock
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Thrives in full sun to partial shade (dense shade may limit spread)
  
• Seeds lose viability quickly and will not form a persistent seed bank
  
• Herbicides can provide effective control if needed