Family: Myrtaceae

Origin, Description & Uses
Eugenia stipitata, commonly known as arazá or araçá-boi, is a small tropical tree or shrub native to the western Amazon region of South America, particularly Brazil, Peru, and Colombia. It typically grows 6–15 feet tall and produces large, round, yellow fruits with a soft, aromatic pulp. The fruit is known for its pleasantly tart flavor and strong fragrance, making it popular in juices, smoothies, jams, and desserts. Arazá is also valued for its high vitamin C content and potential antioxidant properties, and it is sometimes cultivated in home gardens and small farms in tropical regions.

Risks & Threats
Arazá is considered a low-risk species in Hawaiʻi and other tropical areas where it is grown. It does not show strong invasive tendencies and is generally not known to spread aggressively beyond cultivation. While its fruits may be eaten and dispersed by animals, there is little evidence that it forms dense stands or displaces native vegetation. As with many fruiting plants, responsible planting and monitoring are recommended, but overall, Eugenia stipitata poses minimal environmental risk.

High Risk Traits:

• Thrives in tropical climates
  
• Other Eugenia species are invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible, but primarily outcrossing
  
• Reaches maturity in 18 months
  
• Seeds dispersed by bats, birds and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• No reports of invasiveness or naturalization, but limited evidence of widespread introduction outside native range
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• Non-toxic
  
• Edible fruit
  
• Not reported to spread vegetatively
  
• Seeds recalcitrant and unlikely to form a persistent seed bank