Eugenia copacabanensis, known as Princesinha de Copacabana, is a rare and highly sought-after eugenia native to the coastal region of Restinga in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. It gets its name from the small fruits that were once abundant in the original vegetation of the world-famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. It is a shrub or small tree that stands out not only for its beautiful appearance but also for its delicious fruits.
The fruits are round to pear-shaped, 3–4 cm in size, with sweet and fragrant orange flesh. Their taste is extremely pleasant, reminiscent of apricots with caramel tones. The plant bears fruit several times a year, mostly from October to December.
In addition to its tasty fruits, this eugenia is also highly valued as an ornamental tree. Its crown is dense and rounded, and the new shoots have an attractive reddish hue that contrasts sharply with the mature, glossy green leaves.
It grows more slowly in the first two years, and even seed germination took a year, so it is valuable to have a rooted seedling. It requires well-drained soil, thrives on regular fertilization, and does best in sunny locations, although it can also tolerate partial shade.
This unique eugenia was discovered more than 100 years ago on Copacabana Beach and, after its disappearance, was symbolically replanted in a garden in a fishing colony, where it resembles its original home. Today, it is not only a rare collector's gem, but also a beautiful plant with delicious fruits that you can grow right at home.
HEIGHT OF PLANTS SOLD 10 TO 15 CM - PICTURE NO. 2
Instructions for growing the Princess of Copacabana
Substrate:
Preferably more acidic and well-drained.
Recommended mixture: 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, a little sand.
Watering:
Water only when the substrate dries slightly.
In winter, reduce watering, pour out excess water from the tray after watering.
Growing location:
At home all year round: As close to a window as possible, with plenty of light.
Summering is possible outside on a terrace, garden, or balcony, only from spring to autumn: Partial shade, later full sun.
Wintering:
Tropical plant - cannot tolerate temperatures below 10 °C for a long time. Winter at a minimum temperature of 15 °C.
For the winter, place it in the living room, bedroom, hallway, winter garden or tempered greenhouse, always as close to the window as possible.
Fertilization:
Common water-soluble or granulated fertilizers.
For plants under 2 years old, use half the dose.
Older plants can tolerate the normal dose.
Suitable fertilizer:
OSMOCOTE long-term granular fertilizer
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EUGÉNIA COPACABANENSIS