This shrub to small tree has a short trunk with peeling bark and spreading branches that form a compact rounded crown. It has dark green elliptical pointed leaves and the saucer-shaped cream flowers appear in spring followed by edible fruit.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11 

Eugenia aggregata is naturally found in South America from Brazil to Colombia and Ecuador growing in forest margins along stream banks on the coast and in the lower mountains. 

It prefers an open sunny to semi shaded wind protected position and grows in well drained organic rich moist fertile soils that are tending acidic and is salt spray, drought and frost tolerant. 

The Cherry of the Rio Grande is grown for its bushy habit and colourful fruit. It is planted along borders for screening or trimmed to form an informal hedge. It is suitable for coastal regions establishing in 3-5 years and is long lived. 

This small tree is also grown in tropical gardens for its edible fruit and used along water courses for soil stabilisation. It is grown as a container plant in courtyards and patio settings tolerating a regular pruned to maintain a bushy habit. ID 3279

Eugenia (yoo-JEE-nee-ah) aggregata (AG-greh-GAH-tah)

Myrtaceae (mir-TAY-see-ee)
Myrtle, Eucalyptus, Clove and Guava Family