These South American fruit/berry trees are a great small tree or large shrub much valued for the fruit & the furniture grade quality of its timber.
A highly ornamental shrub with spreading branches and aromatic foliage followed in a few weeks by a ribbed fruit that changes from green to orange to maroon-red when fully ripe. That is when the fruit is at it’s best
The young bronze foliage turns a glossy deep green when mature and deep red in cold, dry weather. The fruit is delicious eaten out-of-hand or as an ingredient in jelly, sauce and pies. Refrigeration enhances the flavour and makes these a good substitute for strawberries.
The fruit can be eaten fresh, used to make pies, jellies and jams. The pulp is a good source of calcium, and a fair source of phosphorus and iron. In Brazil, the juice is fermented into wine or vinegar.
Propagation is almost always by seed, however superior varieties can be grafted. Red type and black type forms usually come true to seed.
Surinam Cherry is an excellent choice for a hedge with regular trimming, or as a pretty specimen tree; the plant will be happy growing in a pot as well.
Cold hardy (to lower 20’s for mature plants) and undemanding, it grows well under minimum care providing irrigation which is especially important for young plants; established plants are drought tolerant.
In small yards, the tree can be cut back hard if it becomes too large – it will form a bushy shape in no time.
This tropical plant can successfully be grown in a pot indoors in the cooler zones. Indoors, misting of the plants is helpful in winter.
They are evergreen & make fabulous hedges where dense cover is required,
The fruits are shaped like tiny red pumpkins and are best eaten fresh when they turn a darker red. Love full sun & grow almost anywhere.
I have some seedlings & smaller ones but most are currently around the 6ft height mark. Also bigger ones in 45 litre & 100 litre growbags up to 3-4 metres. Stock levels change daily So ask what I have on the day
Any questions or if buying, contact me HERE
