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The Grumichama

by Gene Joyner, Extension Agent I
IFAS Palm Beach County Cooperative Extension Service

Many people enjoy tropical fruits in the landscape and one that is certainly a favorite is called grumichama Eugenia dombeyi from Brazil. This small, compact tree grows to about twenty-five feet high and has leathery opposite leaves with a beautiful glossy green surface. Leaves can be up to three or four inches long and one to two inches wide, and the new growth, when it appears is a wine or reddish color before it matures.

Trees can be grown in sun or light shade, and can even be used for hedging if sufficient plants are available. During the early spring, white one-inch flowers are produced in large masses from March through April. Fruits follow quickly in about four weeks after flowering. Fruits are about one inch or larger, purplish black in color with large seeds. The flesh is excellent. It has almost the flavor of a northern cherry.

Trees grow well in most soil types, but prefer acid conditions for best growth. They are cold hardy down to about 26°F, and will take some salt spray if you live close to open salt water.

There are no superior varieties of grumichamas; however, some types have larger fruit and could be propagated by grafting if desired. Trees are easily propagated by seed; seedlings take about two and a half years to start flowering. Growth rates are usually about two feet a year once the plants are well established.

There are no serious pests or disease problems, however, ripening fruit is often attacked by Caribbean fruit fly in some years. The grumichama also makes an excellent container plant and will fruit quite nicely in a five to ten gallon-size container.

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