The species is native to Brazil and Uruguay where it grows in coastal forests. The
Botanical Information
Botanical name of the genus derives from the Greek “psidion” = pomegranate, due to the similarity of the fruits. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree, erect, 2-8 m tall, with smooth reddish brown bark. The leaves are opposite, obovate, rather leathery, dark green glossy on top, light green on the bottom, the young shoots are bronze in color. Hermaphrodite flowers generally solitary in the axil of the leaves, with 4-5 white obovate petals. The fruits are globose or obovoid berries, yellow in color, shiny, with pink pulp that surrounds the juicy central part in which numerous flat and hard seeds are immersed. The pleasant flavor, rather acidic, reminds that of strawberries.
Pedoclimatic requirements
It prefers full sun exposure, but tolerates light shade. It adapts to all types of soil as long as they are soft and without stagnation. A species that can be grown in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate climates, in the winter it cannot tolerate temperatures below +4°/+6°C. For this reason, it is recommended to keep the plant sheltered during the coldest periods to ensure its survival. It can also be grown in the ground in Mediterranean gardens, where temperatures do not fall below zero. The fruit, rich in fibre, potassium and vitamin C, is eaten fresh or used to prepare jams, ice creams and drinks.
