Family: Myrtaceae
Eugenia brasiliensis (Brazil cherry, grumichama) is a tree endemic to Southern Brazil. It is commonly cultivated as a street tree due to its small size. The fruit can be eaten raw or made into jams and jellies. The bark is used in traditional folk medicine in Brazil. This species is naturalized on O’ahu, Maui, and Hawai’i Island and possibly elsewhere where introduced. It grows in lowland disturbed mesic forests locally. However, the species was introduced perhaps as early as 1791, and no reports of negative impacts where naturalized have been made.
High Risk Traits:
- Thrives, and capable of spreading, in regions with tropical climates.
- Naturalized on Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii (Hawaiian Islands) and possibly elsewhere where introduced.
- Other Eugenia species are invasive.
- Alternate host of several fruit flies and other fruit crop pests
- Tolerates many soil types (substrate unlikely to limit potential spread)
- Reported to form dense thickets in native range.
- Reproduces by seeds.
- Reported to be self-fertile.
- Seeds dispersed by birds, other frugivorous animals, and intentionally by people.
- May be able to resprout after cutting.
Low Risk Traits:
- No reports of negative impacts where naturalized
- Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
- Non-toxic
- Grows best in full sun to light shade. Dense shade may limit ability to establish or spread.
- Not reported to spread vegetatively.
- Reaches maturity in 4-5 years from seed.
- Seeds recalcitrant, and unlikely to form a persistent seed bank.
- Herbicides used to control other invasive members of the genus should be effective if needed.
