{"product_id":"cherry-of-the-rio-grande-tree","title":"Cherry of the Rio Grande tree - Rare Tropical Tree","description":"\u003ch1\u003eCherry of the Rio Grande Tree – Rare Tropical Tree\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eShopify product description\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAdd something special to your edible garden with \u003cstrong\u003eCherry of the Rio Grande\u003c\/strong\u003e. This unusual fruit tree brings glossy foliage, delicate white flowers, and deep-colored fruit to your landscape. Its ripe cherries are a treat to enjoy straight from the garden or turn into a small batch of homemade preserves.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor gardeners building a varied food forest, it offers a different flavor and harvest season to explore alongside mangoes, avocados, and other tropical favorites. Shop \u003cstrong\u003eThe Island Gardeners\u003c\/strong\u003e for Palm Bay pickup near Melbourne, Florida, or nationwide shipping to eligible destinations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhy grow it?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA distinctive addition to a rare-fruit collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOrnamental foliage and flowers alongside edible fruit.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA candidate for a garden specimen, managed shrub, or large container.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA spring-to-early-summer harvest to consider in your food forest plan.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOrigin and other names\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNative to Brazil, this plant is botanically known as \u003cstrong\u003eEugenia involucrata\u003c\/strong\u003e, in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. \u003cstrong\u003eEugenia aggregata\u003c\/strong\u003e is an older name frequently used in nursery listings. Common names include Cherry of the Rio Grande and Rio Grande cherry. It is a different species from the temperate cherries sold in supermarkets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFruit, taste, and size\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe fruit is typically about \u003cstrong\u003e¾–1 inch long\u003c\/strong\u003e, with an oblong shape and a persistent pointed calyx at the tip. As shown in our reference photographs, fruit progresses from green through red to deep purple at maturity. Its tender, juicy flesh has a cherry-like, sweet-tart character. Size and flavor vary between plants and growing conditions. Remove seeds before eating or processing.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eTree size and growth\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow it as a small evergreen tree or train it as a shrub. Published mature heights vary: nursery references commonly give about \u003cstrong\u003e10–20 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e, while an older Florida Extension account describes trees reaching \u003cstrong\u003e20–25 feet\u003c\/strong\u003e. Allow room for the canopy and use selective pruning if you want a smaller plant. These are landscape estimates, not the height of the tree being shipped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlanting and care\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose full sun to light shade and soil that drains well while retaining some moisture. Water regularly during establishment and active growth, adjusting for rainfall and container drying. Avoid letting roots remain waterlogged. Feed according to the fertilizer label and your plant's needs. Light pruning can help maintain shape and access for picking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn Palm Bay and Central Florida, protect young plants from frost. Established plants can tolerate brief cold better than young ones, but this is not a freeze-proof tree. In colder regions, a movable container and suitable winter protection may be needed. Shipping availability alone does not establish outdoor suitability for your climate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHarvest season and your food forest\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlorida harvest guide: April–June.\u003c\/strong\u003e Actual timing depends on weather, location, and plant maturity. Pick fully colored fruit gently and check the plant frequently as the crop ripens. Enjoy fresh, or prepare jam, jelly, and juice; surplus fruit can be frozen for later use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUse our \u003cstrong\u003eHarvest Calendar and My Food Forest\u003c\/strong\u003e tools to compare expected seasons, see overlaps, and plan a more varied garden. Record your own picking dates to make the calendar more useful for your location. Scan the Harvest Calendar QR on the product graphic to explore the tool.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003ePlant at a glance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003cdiv\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eFeature\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBotanical name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEugenia involucrata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOlder nursery name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEugenia aggregata\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBrazil\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFamily\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMyrtaceae\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFruit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOblong; approximately ¾–1 inch long\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEating quality\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eJuicy, tender, sweet-tart, cherry-like\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFlorida harvest guide\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApril–June; timing varies\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eHabit\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eEvergreen shrub or small tree; prune to manage size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eFull sun to light shade\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater and drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRegular moisture with good drainage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCold care\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eProtect young plants from frost\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAvailability\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSelect from current size and stock options\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently asked questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs this a regular cherry tree?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt belongs to Eugenia in the myrtle family, rather than the Prunus genus of temperate cherries. It is grown for its own fruit and ornamental qualities.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen will my tree produce?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt depends on propagation method, age, and conditions. Seed-grown plants may take several years; an older Florida Extension account gives approximately 4–5 years. Fruit on arrival or within a fixed period is not guaranteed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan it grow in a container?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, with a sufficiently large container, good drainage, and ongoing water and pruning care. Move it to protection when local winter conditions require it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat size will I receive?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eCheck the selected variant for current pot size and tree specifications. Fruit photos illustrate the species and do not show the actual nursery plant being shipped.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I pick up locally or have it shipped?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePalm Bay pickup is available near Melbourne, Florida. Nationwide shipping is offered to eligible destinations, subject to plant-entry restrictions, selected tree size, weather, and checkout availability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eGrow something a little different\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChoose an available \u003cstrong\u003eCherry of the Rio Grande Tree\u003c\/strong\u003e and add a new harvest to your garden with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/theislandgardeners.com\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTheIslandGardeners.com\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Island Gardeners","offers":[{"title":"1 Gal","offer_id":48316971155645,"sku":null,"price":29.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 Gal","offer_id":48316971188413,"sku":null,"price":50.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0710\/2801\/5293\/files\/cherry-of-the-rio-grande-tree-the-island-gardeners.png?v=1792453361","url":"https:\/\/theislandgardeners.com\/products\/cherry-of-the-rio-grande-tree","provider":"The Island Gardeners","version":"1.0","type":"link"}