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grumichama tree

Grumichama Tree Care

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Grumichama Tree

The Grumichama Tree (Eugenia brasiliensis) is a medium sized, attractive tree with thick waxy leaves. It is endemic to southern Brazil, but is now grown widely and is loved by tropical gardeners around the globe.

There are two main varieties of this tree with its grape like fruit, producing either the Purple-Black (Eugenia Dombeyi) or the Yellow (Eugenia Brasiliensis). Your tree may flower several times a year.

Grumichama Tree

Grumichama Tree Propagation

Can you grow grumichama trees from cuttings?

While grumichama are mostly propagated from seeds, grafting, root cuttings and air layering are also successful. Growing from cuttings is popular and easy to do.

Grumichama seeds

Time needed: 3 minutes

How to grow grumichama from seed.

  1. Collect Seeds

    When eating grumichama, spit a number of seeds into a container. Soak them in a bowl of water for a day. Stir a few times to separate the seeds from the pulp.

  2. Rinse seeds

    Rinse using a strainer to remove remaining pulp from seeds (you may have to do this a few times). The seeds will remain viable for up to 6 weeks.

  3. Sow Seeds

    Sow 3 or 4 Grumichama seeds in each pot. Space the seeds 3cm (1.2in) apart on the surface of the potting mix. Then press seeds onto the potting mix and cover them with a 25mm (1in) layer of sand.

  4. Water and Wait

    Water in with a misty spray. Then water regularly and leave pot in partial sun.

  5. Germination

    Germination should occur after about a month.

  6. Thin out

    If more than one of your seeds has germinated, thin them out, leaving the strongest.

  7. Transplant

    After another month or two transplant in to a full sun location. A good time to do this is after the first downpour of the wet season.

  8. Wait some more

    The tree is slow growing and may take 5-6 years from seed to when it starts fruiting.

Grumichama Tree Height

The tree can grow up to 15m (49ft) in height. However, pruning can make your tree fit nicely in a suburban garden. Indeed it is sometimes pruned into a hedge.

Grumichama Tree Care

Grumichama tree care includes feeding your tree. In good soil, fertilise twice each year. Once pre-flowering and once as harvesting draws to a conclusion.

Pre-harvest we apply calcium and boron to promote flowering and pollination. Kelp also contains compounds to enhance flowering and fruit set.

During harvest/post harvest, we apply a fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.

Flowering normally takes place at the end of the dry season (spring), with the tree fruiting into the wet (or summer).

Grumichama Tree Growing Conditions

The grumichama tree is fine for a suburban garden. It grows well in temperatures found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions.

Location and Soil

This tree prefers deep sand or loam type soil. However, it will survive in shallow sandy soils if you give it enough water.  The grumichama loves to be located in full sun if possible.

Watering

This tree has a fairly shallow root system. Hence it will require watering regularly during the ‘dry season’.

In addition, seedlings and fruiting trees need a lot of rain or extra water. This is for growth in the case of the seeding, and to prevent fruit drop in the case of mature fruiting trees.

grumichama tree sapling
Grumichama Tree Sapling

Pests and Diseases

This tree is resistant to pests. However, when the tree does fruit, you may have some competition from the nearby bird population.

Grumichama tree care in pots

Grumichama can easily be grown in a pot. Indeed this is most beneficial if you live in areas where it might get too cold. It is also useful to grow in a pot if you don’t have the healthiest of soils or enough room in your garden.

Eating the Fruit

Good grumichama tree care leads to …. fruit! The fruit is often eaten straight off the tree. In addition the fruit can be used for making jelly and jams.

Grumichama Fruit Taste

The pulp of the fruit is juicy and tastes much like a true subacid or sweet cherry except for a touch of aromatic resin.

Grumichama Fruit Benefits

Weight Loss

The fruit is a healthy snack that can help with weight loss. It is low in calories and carbohydrate but packed with vitamins, minerals and protein. A good weight loss combination.

Fibre

The fruit is very high in fibre. Consequently, this fibre helps to increase the absorption of water in the intestine facilitating the formation and elimination of stools.

Immune System

Studies have shown this fruit to offer considerable support to your immune system. Hence it aids the body’s capacity to fight off a number of diseases.

Antioxidants

Grumichama contains antioxidants, which are known to combat free radicals, helping to avoid the deterioration of cells.

Prebiotics

Finally, research has shown the Grumichama peel is a nutritious source of bioactive compounds with prebiotic effects. So in ordinary language, the peel is great for your gut health and can help to prevent disease

Thank you for reading and all the best with your grumichama tree care.

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