Ugni molinae

Common Name: Uni, Chilean Guava

Family: Myrtaceae

Country of Origin: C. & S. Chile to SW. Argentina

Description: [syn Eugenia ugni; Myrtus ugni]

Indigenous to Chile and Bolivia, this species bears fragrant, purplish red, berry-like fruit. These are edible, though tart, and are often made into jam or conserves. The abundant small, bell-shaped flowers are pink or white with prominent stamens, and are borne in leaf axils. Its dense growth, to about 15 ft (4.5 m) in height, makes Ugni molinae suitable for hedges; it tolerates light shade.

Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. An absolutely delicious flavour, it is very aromatic and tastes of wild strawberries. The fruit is about 15mm in diameter and is freely borne even on small plants. Leaves are a tea substitute. The roasted seeds are a coffee substitute.

USDA Zone: 8-10

Accession #: 198502403

Accession Date: 1998-10-28

Bloom Status: 🪴 Not Flowering

Location: 2116

Quantity: 2

Source: John Maugeri ex CRFG

Provenance: Original plants deemed to be mis-identified. Replaced with plants of presumed correct identity but re-used old accession number. New seed via John Maugeri ex. CRFG

Culture: Succeeds in any reasonably good soil including dry ones. Prefers a moderately fertile well-drained loam in a sunny position. Fairly tolerant of maritime exposure. Established plants are drought resistant. Tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a small hedge in the milder parts of Britain.

Seed - pre-soak 24 hours in warm water and sow February in a greenhouse. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.

Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 7 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Pot up in the autumn and overwinter in a cold frame. Plant out in late spring. High percentage.
Cuttings of mature wood of the current seasons growth, 7 - 12cm with a heel, November in a shaded and frost free frame. Plant out in late spring or early autumn. High percentage.
Layering.

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: rosids

Order: Myrtales

Family: Myrtaceae

SubFamily: Myrtoideae

Tribe: Myrteae