Banana Pitanga – one of the rarest Eugenia species you can grow
There are exotic plants that captivate with beautiful flowers or delicious fruit. And then there are plants that surprise you simply by the appearance of their fruit. Eugenia anthropophaga, known as the Banana Pitanga, is one such plant. This exceptionally rare Eugenia was discovered and described in Brazil only around 2018, and it remains very rarely seen in cultivation to this day.
The fruit itself is a true curiosity. The plant produces elongated, yellow, and distinctly ribbed fruits that resemble small bananas in shape. They can reach lengths of approximately 5–7 cm and look truly unusual on the plant. When the first bright yellow "little bananas" appear amidst the green foliage, few would believe they are actually the fruit of an Eugenia.
Their flavor is another reason why this plant is so appealing to collectors. The fruit has a sweet-and-sour taste, often likened to a combination of Eugenia selloi (pitangatuba) and passion fruit. They are edible fresh, and thanks to their unique flavor profile, they represent a fascinating exotic fruit that you certainly wouldn't come across every day.
The "Banana Pitanga" forms a small, shrub-like tree, making it suitable for cultivation in limited spaces—an ideal choice for growing in a pot.
Another appealing feature is its undemanding nature regarding soil and care. Although it is a tropical rarity, it is not particularly difficult to grow. In our climate, we recommend keeping it in a container and moving it to a well-lit area with a minimum temperature of around 10°C for the winter.
It originates from the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil and belongs to the Myrtaceae family, alongside the pitanga, jaboticaba, and other rare fruit-bearing Eugenia species. Its very recent discovery and limited presence in cultivation make it one of the most fascinating plants for enthusiasts of truly rare species.
Eugenia anthropophaga "Banana Pitanga" is not a plant you acquire solely for its exotic fruit. It is a genuine botanical rarity—a newly discovered species that produces fruit resembling miniature bananas, yet tastes like a unique blend of pitanga and passion fruit. Best of all, with proper care, it can produce its first flowers and fruit surprisingly early.
PRICE 23€
Growing instructions for Banana Pitanga:
Substrate:
Ideally slightly acidic and well-draining
Recommended mix: 2 parts peat, 1 part perlite, a little sand
Watering:
Keep the substrate consistently slightly moist
Reduce watering in winter; empty any excess water from the saucer after watering.
Growing location:
Indoors year-round: As close to a window as possible, with plenty of light.
Summering outdoors (terrace, garden, or balcony) is possible only from spring to autumn: Partial shade initially, moving to full sun later.
Overwintering:
Tropical plant – cannot tolerate temperatures below 10°C for extended periods. Overwinter at a minimum temperature of 15°C.
Place in a living room, bedroom, hallway, conservatory, or heated greenhouse for the winter—always as close to a window as possible.
Fertilizing:
Standard water-soluble or granular fertilizers
Use half-strength doses for plants under 2 years old.
Older plants can tolerate standard doses.
Suitable fertilizer:
OSMOCOTE slow-release granular fertilizer