Suriname cherry facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Surinam cherry |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Eugenia
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| Species: |
uniflora
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The Surinam cherry is a cool plant that grows mostly on the eastern coast of South America. You might also hear it called pitanga, Brazilian cherry, Cayenne cherry, or Cerisier Carré. Even though it looks a bit like a regular cherry, it's actually not related to them at all!
This plant belongs to the Myrtle family, which includes many other interesting plants. It's found in countries like Suriname, French Guiana, and southern Brazil. You can also spot it in parts of Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay. In Brazil and Uruguay, people often call it pitanga. In nearby countries, it's known as ñangapirí.
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What is the Surinam Cherry?
The Surinam cherry is a plant that's pretty easy to grow. It's also good at fighting off pests, which means it doesn't get sick easily. Plus, it's packed with healthy things called antioxidants!
Where Does the Surinam Cherry Grow?
This plant is native to the eastern coast of South America. Its natural home stretches from Suriname and French Guiana all the way down to southern Brazil. It also grows in parts of Paraguay, Argentina, and Uruguay.
People have also brought the Surinam cherry to other places. For example, it grows in the West Indies, especially in Haiti, where it's called Cerisier Carré. It has also been introduced to Florida in the United States.
Surinam Cherry as an Invasive Species
Sometimes, plants are brought to new places because they look nice or are useful. The Surinam cherry was brought to Bermuda for its beauty. However, it grew so well there that it started to take over and push out native plants. Because of this, it's now considered an invasive species in Bermuda. This means it can harm the local environment.
Uses of the Surinam Cherry
The Surinam cherry is often used in gardens. People plant it to create a hedge or a screen, which is like a living fence that provides privacy.
What Does the Fruit Look Like?
The fruit of the Surinam cherry is usually bright red or orange when it's ripe. It has a unique ribbed shape, almost like a tiny pumpkin. The taste can be sweet or tart, depending on the variety and how ripe it is.
