Cherry - Cedar Bay
Eugenia reinwardtiana
Common Names: Cedar Bay Cherry, Beach Cherry, Australian Brush Cherry
Local Name: Cedar Bay Cherry (English/Australian)
Family: Myrtaceae
Origin: Tropical North Queensland (Australia), Papua New Guinea, Malesia
Plant Type: Perennial evergreen shrub to small tree
Variety: Native Australian species — compact fruiting shrub
Average Lifespan: 20–40 years
🌿 Botanical Description
| Growth Habit | Compact, dense evergreen shrub or small tree; attractive ornamental form |
| Plant Size | 2–6 meters tall; compact canopy 2–4 meters wide |
| Leaves | Opposite, elliptic to ovate, 3–8 cm long, glossy dark green; new growth pinkish-red; aromatic |
| Flowers | White, 4-petaled, 1–1.5 cm across with prominent stamens; borne in leaf axils |
| Flower Characteristics | Lightly fragrant; attract native bees and insects; bloom in spring and summer |
| Fruit | Oval to round berry, 1.5–2.5 cm long; thin skin, soft juicy flesh with mild sweet cherry flavour |
| Fruit Color | Green turning bright red to deep crimson when ripe |
| Seed Characteristics | Single large seed per fruit; round, smooth |
| Root System | Fibrous, non-invasive; suitable for garden and container growing |
☀ Growing Conditions
| Climate | Tropical to warm subtropical; frost-sensitive |
| Temperature Range | 20–35°C ideal; does not tolerate frost |
| Rainfall Requirement | 1000–3000 mm annually; prefers consistent moisture |
| Soil Type | Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam; tolerates coastal sandy soils |
| Soil pH Preference | 5.5–6.5 (slightly acidic) |
| Sun Requirement | Full sun to partial shade; tolerates understory conditions |
| Spacing | 2–4 meters between plants |
| Irrigation Method | Regular watering; drip irrigation preferred |
| Water Requirement | Moderate; keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged |
| Can it Grow in Pots? | Yes, excellent container plant (15–25 liters); compact growth habit suits pots well |
🌾 Cultivation & Care
| Fertilizer Schedule | 2–3 times per year during growing season |
| Recommended Organic Fertilizers | Compost, slow-release native plant fertilizer, seaweed extract |
| Pesticide Frequency | Rarely needed; naturally pest-resistant |
| Recommended Organic Pesticides | Neem oil for occasional scale; eco-oil for mites |
| Mulching Practice | Thick organic mulch to mimic rainforest floor conditions |
| Training System | Natural compact form; minimal training needed |
| Pruning Time | After fruiting; light shaping any time |
| How to Prune | Light tip-pruning for shape; remove dead or crossing branches |
| Common Pests | Fruit fly (Queensland), birds, occasional scale insects |
| Common Diseases | Generally disease-free; occasional leaf spot in humid conditions |
| Disease Prevention & Remedies | Good air circulation; avoid overhead watering; remove fallen fruit |
🌸 Flowering & Fruiting
| Flowering Months | Spring to summer (September–February in Australia) |
| Fruiting Season | Summer to early autumn; 4–6 weeks after flowering |
| Days to Harvest | 30–45 days from flowering |
| Harvest Indicators | Fruit turns deep red to crimson; softens; sweet aroma |
| Average Yield per Plant | 3–10 kg per plant per year (mature) |
| Pollination Type | Self-fertile; insect-pollinated |
| Pollination Notes | Native bees and stingless bees are primary pollinators in Australia |
🌱 Pollination & Propagation
| Pollination Details | Self-fertile; native insects and bees pollinate effectively |
| Propagation by Seeds | Fresh seeds germinate in 3–8 weeks; seedlings fruit in 3–5 years |
| Propagation by Cuttings | Semi-hardwood cuttings with rooting hormone; moderate success rate |
| Propagation by Grafting | Can be grafted on compatible Eugenia rootstock |
💧 Environmental Impact & Sustainability
| Water Usage | Moderate; adapted to tropical rainfall patterns |
| Soil Conservation Practices | Native species supports local ecosystem; prevents coastal erosion |
| Organic Practices Used | Low-input native species; minimal chemical requirements |
| Companion Plants | Other Australian rainforest species, native ground covers, ferns |
| Biodiversity Benefits | Supports native birds (cassowary food source), insects, and rainforest ecology |
💰 Economic Importance
| Commercial Production Regions | North Queensland (Australia), Papua New Guinea; niche market |
| Market Uses | Fresh fruit, native food (bush tucker), ornamental plant |
| Processing Uses | Jams, sauces, desserts; emerging bush food ingredient |
| Market Value (Approx.) | AUD $15–30 per kg (premium bush food market) |
🌿 Cultural Significance
| Symbolism | Part of Australian bush tucker heritage; valued by Indigenous communities |
| Traditional Uses | Traditional food of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; fruit eaten fresh from the bush |
🍈 Nutritional Information
| Calories | 35 kcal per 100g (estimated) |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g per 100g |
| Vitamin C | Moderate levels |
| Vitamin A | Present (carotenoids in red flesh) |
| Iron | Trace amounts |
| Potassium | Present |
| Antioxidants | Anthocyanins, phenolic compounds, carotenoids |
| Other Key Nutrients | Calcium, phosphorus |
🌿 Medicinal Uses
| Anxiety & Sleep | Not a primary medicinal use |
| Immune Support | Antioxidant content supports general health |
| Anti-inflammatory Properties | Eugenia species generally contain anti-inflammatory compounds |
| Heart Health | Anthocyanins may support cardiovascular health |
| Digestive Health | Fruit consumed fresh as a mild digestive aid |
Disclaimer: Information provided is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice.
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