I am a Surinam cherry cultivar producing dark red to black fruits with excellent flavor.

Native to South America; Zill’s Dark selected in Florida for improved taste.

Water 2–3 times per week; keep soil moist but well-drained.

Requires full sun to partial shade.

Thrives in 25–35°C; sensitive to frost.

Plant in sandy-loam soil; spacing 2–3 meters apart.

Apply compost and NPK 6:6:6 every 2–3 months.

Botanical name: Eugenia uniflora (Zill’s Dark cultivar); Family: Myrtaceae.

Fruits are safe; seeds edible but bitter.

Moderate; dense foliage reduces dust.

Fruits rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber; eaten fresh, in jams, jellies, and wines.

Susceptible to fruit fly, anthracnose, and leaf spot; prune for airflow and monitor regularly.

Can live 20–30 years; grafted plants fruit in 2–3 years; peak yield from year 6 onward.