Ungi molinae (Chilean Guava, NZ Cranberry, Strawberry Myrtle)
Botanical Information
| Genus | Ungi |
| Species | molinae |
| Synonyms | Eugenia ugni Hook. & Arn., Myrtus molinae Barnéoud ex Gay, Myrtus ugni Molina |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Native to Chile and adjacent regions of southern Argentina. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Height | 30 - 300 cm |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Rounded form when mature. |
| Cultivation | Grow best in a sheltered position in a well drained and loamy soil. It is quite tolerant of salt laden air, clay or sandy soils and grows well in sunny or semi-sunny situations. |
| Notable Specimens | Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Trengwainton Garden, Madron, Cornwall, United Kingdom. |
| Habitat | The Valdivian temperate rainforests. |
| Leaf Description | Small, opposite, oval, leathery, 1–2 cm long and 1-1.5 cm broad, entire, glossy dark green, with a spicy scent if crushed. Also has bronze and white tinges. Edges are slightly rolled under. The leaves are opposite, oval. |
| Flower Description | White flowers resemble little bottlebrushes; they appear in late spring and early summer. |
| Fruit Description | Purple-red pleasant tasting fruit. |
| Texture Description | The fruit is delicious and can be eaten straight off the bush or used in juices, jams and jellies. Allow fruit to lighten in colour before picking. |
Photographs
Ungi molinae, form. Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Ungi molinae, leaf. Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
Ugni molinae, fruit. Trengwaighton Garden, Madron, Cornwall, United Kingdom. 16/10/2019.
Ungi molinae, leaf. Trebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom.