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Eugenia uniflora
This plant's also known as Surinam cherry and Brazilian cherry. The darker its fruits, the sweeter they are.
Seen on grassland. Eugenia uniflora is invasive in Hawaii and Bermuda.
I ate one or two of this tree's peppery and sour fruits. After I decidedly had enough of them, I set aside a few fruits. When I examined them a few minutes later, I noticed a tiny green worm peeking out from a hole it bore in one of the fruits! I was surprised to see it, and glad that I didn't eat it.
I've come across these while hiking through Ahupua'a Hakipu'u. Although the fruit very in color from a bright orange to a dark purple their taste remains constant. Leuba is correct with this fruit being very tart. An excellent way to wake you taste buds up.
Thank you very much for the ID and your comment, Leuba. Paler red fruits are apparently more tart, but still probably tasty, nonetheless.
Sergio, thanks for your advice! I think I learned that the hard way. ;)
Mauna, this invasive plant is grown in Queensland as an ornamental. I had a taste of these and they were tart. Very attractive, indeed !
The ones I saw were a paler red - nice spotting !
Mauna, rule number 1 when eating fruits from the tree: NEVER look inside it, specially AFTER you bite it... :-)
Spotted on Jan 10, 2013
Submitted on Mar 9, 2013
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