Eugenia sp. ‘Orange’
Orange Cherry
Eugenia sp. ‘Orange’
Eugenia sp. ‘Orange’ is from a plant that was found in Argentina. The tree is large and was covered in Orange fruits that looked like the fruit of Cherry of the Rio Grande (Eugenia involucrata). The tree as a whole seems to resemble Eugenia involucrata, and even in my seedlings it is almost indiscernible from the red fruited trees in my collection. This year I was stoked to see the first flowers (around 10 or so first time flowering) and soon after decently sized Orange fruits ripening up! It was incredibly exciting to see, as there is just something about the bright Orange fruit that really draws me in. Thankfully there were about 6 or so fruits on the tree so I was able to sample them through various stages of ripeness. The fruit was delicious, less acidic/tannic and more of a sweet less complex flavor. It tasted entirely sweet and almost slightly apricot-y (I guess I could now have some idea of what Pitomba, Eugenia luschnathiana, might taste like.
I’m incredibly stoked to be able to offer a select few seedlings to people who would like to grow this plant. It definitely seems like something anyone interested in subtropicals should grow, particularly if you live in a marginal climate (Zone 9b/9a). I have had all of my trees outside in full exposure, and they have not shown any damage whatsoever after going through a couple of frosts and temperatures below 32*F. Get your hands on this unidentified species while you can!
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Eugenia sp. ‘Orange’
Common Name / Native Name: Orange Cherry of the Rio Grande
Range: Argentina
Sun: Full sun/part shade
Height: Unknown
Width: Unknown
Foliage: Foliage that is very similar to Eugenia involucrata
Flower: Profuse blooms of white flowers that are common amongst Eugenia spp
Fruit: Small/Medium sized Orange fruits
Soil Type/ pH: Tolerates higher pH soils
USDA Climate Zones: 9b+
Cold Hardiness: Undetermined but has experienced frosts outdoors and was completely undamaged
Edibility: A very pleasant tasting Eugenia. Very similar to Cherry of the Rio Grande but less tart and tannic. It has more of a sweet slightly apricot-y flavor.
Age to maturity: 3 to 4 years
Sources: Wildlands Farm and Nursery