Eugenia sp. "João Branco"

Eugenia sp. “João Branco” is a distinctive species native to the coastal Restinga forests of northern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The tree stands out in the landscape with its dense, rounded canopy of a treecrown and a light-colored, whitish trunk, which inspired its local name, “João Branco.”

The fruits mature to a deep black color and are covered with a subtle a covering of trichomes (fine hairs)indumentum (fine hairs) that gives them a slightly velvety appearance. They bear a noticeable The outermost leaves/petals/carpels/stamens of the flowercalyx scar and larger sepals than those of related species, placing this plant apart from the E. astringens group and resembling, in part, E. pluriflora and allied species (E. sphenophylla, E. pluriflora, E. neoglomerata, E. ellipsoidea). This combination of traits suggests that “João Branco” may represent an undescribed taxon within the genus.

Fruits are juicy, sweet, and pleasantly refreshing, with a mild touch of astringency typical of the group. Locally, they are appreciated fresh and also used in juices and jams, while wildlife consumes them eagerly, reinforcing the species’ ecological importance.

In its native habitat, Eugenia sp. “João Branco” grows into a medium-sized tree, valued not only for its fruits but also for its striking appearance. Its adaptation to sandy, coastal Restinga soils and resilience under sun and wind exposure make it an exciting candidate for rare fruit collections, ecological restoration, and conservation plantings in Atlantic Forest ecosystems.

If you like Eugenia sp. "João Branco", you might also like Eugenia sp. "Labisia" or Eugenia sp. "Itacaré"