Eugenia Observa

Pitanga de Perdiz, also known as Eugenia involucrata, is a tropical tree or shrub species that belongs to the Myrtaceae family. It is native to Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina, where it grows in subtropical and tropical forests, savannas, and riverbanks.

The tree can reach up to 12 meters in height, but it is more commonly found at around 2 to 5 meters tall. Its bark is smooth, light gray, and sometimes with small cracks. The leaves are evergreen, simple, and opposite, with a glossy dark green color on the upper side and a lighter green on the underside. The leaves are lanceolate or elliptical, measuring 5 to 13 cm long and 2 to 4 cm wide.

Pitanga de Perdiz produces small, white or pinkish flowers, which are followed by small, round or oblong-shaped berries that are about 1 to 2 cm in diameter. The fruit’s color ranges from green to yellow to red, depending on its ripeness, and it has a thin, edible skin with a juicy pulp. The fruit is sweet-tart and has a flavor reminiscent of cherry and guava.

The Pitanga de Perdiz plant is often used in landscaping and as an ornamental plant due to its attractive leaves and fruits. It is also used for its medicinal properties, with the fruit and leaves being used to treat gastrointestinal disorders, respiratory problems, and fevers.