Eugenia widgrenii "Coroada Laranja"

Eugenia widgrenii “Coroada” is a distinctive fruit tree native to the dense ombrophilous forests of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil’s Atlantic Rainforest, where it thrives at mid-elevations. The species occurs in two separate color forms — orange/red and purple/black — each borne on different individual trees, much like the grumichama (Eugenia brasiliensis), which can appear in both yellow and purple varieties.

Its fruits are about the size of an olive, canopy of a treecrowned by persistent sepals that give the tree its Portuguese name, “Coroada.” The pulp is sweet, juicy, and pleasantly textured, with few fibers and only a subtle touch of astringency. Highly versatile, the fruits are delicious when eaten fresh and can also be used to prepare juices, jams, and ice creams.

In the wild, Eugenia widgrenii reaches 6–8 meters in height, while under cultivation it generally grows to 3–4 meters, making it well-suited for home gardens and small orchards. It prefers deep, fertile, well-drained soils rich in organic matter and, being a mid-elevation species, shows some tolerance to light frosts. With its adaptability, ornamental character, and flavorful fruits, Eugenia “Coroada” holds strong promise not only for fresh consumption and specialty fruit development but also for use in bio-advanced restoration projects within the Atlantic Forest.

If you like Eugenia widgrenii "Coroada Laranja", you might also like Eugenia aff. floribunda "Rusty Rumberry" or Ephedranthus amazonicus 'Tupari'