Star Cherry Tree (Pitanga)

Star cherry is a fruiting Eugenia shrub or small tree, but Eugenia uniflora and Eugenia selloi are distinct species rather than two names for one plant. The linked Star Cherry nursery page covers E. selloi, also called Pitanga-tuba; E. uniflora is commonly called pitanga or Surinam cherry. Keep species-specific size, fruit, and cold guidance tied to the plant’s own label. ## Growing Conditions The E. selloi seller describes a small fruiting plant that can be grown in a container and should be protected from hard freezes. It notes that warmth supports flowering and fruiting. The Smithsonian account describes E. uniflora as a South American shrub or tree cultivated for edible fruit. Follow the source that matches the species identified on the plant. [Star Cherry nursery profile](https://lonestarnursery.com/products/star-cherry); [Smithsonian E. uniflora account](https://naturalhistory2.si.edu/botany/hawaiianflora/speciesdescr.cfm?genus=Eugenia&species=uniflora); [Kew E. selloi taxonomy](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60464874-2). ## Seasonal Interest Flowering and fruiting depend on species and growing warmth; the nursery reports extended fruiting for E. selloi under warm conditions. ## Maintenance Use a container where winter cold requires protection. Confirm species identity before relying on a mature-size or seasonal estimate.