Eugenia sp. "Golden Olive"

Eugenia sp. “Golden Olive” is a newly discovered species from the lowland Atlantic Rainforest of northern Espírito Santo, Brazil, where it grows in sandy, organic-rich soils at low elevations. Belonging to the section Umbellatae of the genus Eugenia, it is related to species such as Eugenia rotundifolia and Eugenia astringens.

The fruits are olive-sized, with a smooth, shiny, lustrous skin of deep golden-yellow color. Both the pulp and skin are yellow, with medium flesh clinging to the seed. Although still little studied, the fruits are reported by local collectors to have a sweet flavor with a touch of astringency. They are eagerly consumed by wildlife, suggesting an important ecological role.

This is a medium-sized tree, reaching about 5–6 meters in height in its native habitat. While it is not yet in cultivation, it represents an exciting addition for rare fruit collections and holds strong promise for future horticultural development. Given its coastal rainforest origin, the species is expected to show tolerance to sun, wind, and possibly even some levels of cold.

Eugenia sp. “Golden Olive” thrives in sandy soils enriched with organic matter, under the warm, humid conditions of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest. Beyond its potential as a new fruit crop, it has considerable ecological value for biodiversity conservation and forest restoration.

If you like Eugenia sp. "Golden Olive", you might also like Eugenia sp. "Golden Shoots" or Eugenia sp. "Gigante Acre"