They are shrubs with evergreen foliage, reaching 1–5m (3.3–16.4ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, 1–4cm (0.4–1.6in) long and 0.2–2.5cm (0.08–1in) broad, entire, glossy dark green, with a spicy scent if crushed. The flowers are drooping, 1–2cm (0.4–0.8in) diameter with four or five white or pale pink petals and numerous short stamens; the fruit is a small red or purple berry 1cm diameter.[4][5][6]
The scientific name derives from the MapucheNative American name Uñi for U.molinae. The genus was formerly often included in either Myrtus or Eugenia; it is distinguished from these by the drooping flowers with stamens shorter than the petals.
Uses
Ugni molinae (syn.Myrtus ugni, Eugenia ugni) is grown as an ornamental plant for its edible berries. Some commercial "strawberry flavouring" is made from this species, not from strawberries.
Myrtus ugni fruits are oblate and up to 1.5cm (0.6in) in diameter with a purplish to deep cranberry color. They are used to make piquant drinks, desserts, jams, and jellies.[7]
↑Davidse, G., M. Sousa Sánchez, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera. 2009. Cucurbitaceae a Polemoniaceae. 4(1): i–xvi, 1–855. In G. Davidse, M. Sousa Sánchez, S. Knapp & F. Chiang Cabrera (eds.) Flora Mesoamericana. Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México.
↑Sánchez-Vindas, P. E. 2001. Calycolpus, Eugenia, Myrcia, Myrcianthes, Myrciaria, Pimenta, Plinia, Psidium, Syzygium, Ugni. En: Stevens, W.D., C. Ulloa, A. Pool & O.M. Montiel (eds.), Flora de Nicaragua. Monographs in systematic botany from the Missouri Botanical Garden 85(2): 1566, 1570–1574, 1575–1580
↑Landrum, L. R. & M. L. Kawasaki. 1997. The genera of Myrtaceae in Brazil: an illustrated synoptic treatment and identification keys. Brittonia 49(4): 508–536
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