Eugenia punicifolia is a species of plant in the family Myrtaceae. It is found in Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.[1][2]
| Eugenia punicifolia | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Eugenia |
| Species: | E. punicifolia
|
| Binomial name | |
| Eugenia punicifolia | |
Description
editIt is a strongly-branched shrub or a small tree that grows predominantly in the wet tropical biome. Eugenia punicifolia is among the most common and widely distributed Myrtaceae species in South America, found across various habitats in both Cuba and South America.[2][3]
It can reach up to 8 meters in height. The leaves are elliptic orobovoid measuring 2-10 cm by 1-6.5 cm. The species produces white fragrant flowers from June to March. The fruits are edible with glossy skin and scarlet red color. The fruits have a sweet but slightly astringent flavor.[4][3]
Uses
editThe fruits are consumed fresh or used to make jucies, ice creams, and jellies. The leaves and bark are used in traditional medicine to treat wounds, diabetes, and fevers. Research has demonstrated that the plant possesses anti-inflammatory, gastroprotective, pain-relieving, blood sugar-lowering, blood pressure-reducing, antioxidant, and antifungal properties.[4][3]
References
edit- ^ "Eugenia punicifolia in Tropicos".
- ^ a b "Eugenia punicifolia (Kunth) DC". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ^ a b c "Eugenia punicifolia - Useful Tropical Plants". tropical.theferns.info. Retrieved 2024-12-21.
- ^ a b Lorenzi, Harri; Tulio, Marco (2015). Frutas No Brasil: Nativas e Exoticas. Instituto Plantarum. p. 413. ISBN 8586714488.
External links
edit
Media related to Eugenia punicifolia at Wikimedia Commons
Data related to Eugenia punicifolia at Wikispecies
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