Birdcherry (Eugenia monticola, Prodr. 3: 275 (1828))

Family: Myrtaceae

Author: (Sw.) DC.

Bibliography: Prodr. 3: 275 (1828)

Year: 1828

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Eugenia

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: Trop. America

Description

Birdcherry, scientifically known as Eugenia monticola, is a notable species within the Myrtaceae family. First described in 1828, this tropical plant boasts a rich heritage and intriguing characteristics, making it a subject of interest in botany circles.

Originating from the lush regions of tropical America, Birdcherry thrives in warm, humid climates, often flourishing in diverse habitats ranging from coastal areas to elevated terrains. Its name reflects both its appeal to birdlife and its typical growth environment.

The plant is well-regarded for its sturdy, evergreen foliage and aromatic flowers, which contribute to its ecological role in attracting pollinators. Following the flowering stage, it bears small, berry-like fruits that are not only vital for local wildlife but also carry potential uses in traditional medicine and culinary applications in some cultures.

Birdcherry’s robust nature and adaptability have made it a valuable species for study within the Myrtaceae family. Efforts to understand its ecological interactions, growth patterns, and potential applications continue to be a dynamic field of research, fueled by its long-standing botanical documentation dating back nearly two centuries as recorded by (Sw.) DC.

In summary, Eugenia monticola—a keystone species in tropical America—continues to capture scientific interest due to its ecological significance, historical botanical record, and versatile uses.

Common Names

Eng: birdcherry, birds berry
En: Birdcherry, Birds Berry

Synonyms

• Myrtus micrantha (Kunth)
• Eugenia micrantha ((Kunth) DC.)
• Eugenia insularis (O.Berg)
• Eugenia flavovirens var. obscura (O.Berg)
• Eugenia maleolens (Pers.)
• Eugenia flavovirens var. pallida (O.Berg)
• Eugenia foetida var. parvifolia (O.Berg)
• Eugenia monticola var. latifolia (Krug & Urb.)
• Eugenia foetida var. maleolens ((Pers.) DC.)
• Eugenia monticola var. flavovirens ((O.Berg) Stehlé & Quentin)
• Eugenia obtusata (Willd. ex O.Berg)
• Eugenia baruensis var. latifolia (DC.)
• Eugenia canescens (O.Berg)
• Emurtia micrantha ((Kunth) Raf.)
• Eugenia flavovirens (O.Berg)
• Myrtus monticola (Sw.)

Distribution

• Bahamas (native)
• Cayman Is. (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)

Additional Images

Fruit

Taken Aug 9, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 9, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 3, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by Helenne Kesenne (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 9, 2014 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 16, 2020 by Helenne Kesenne (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2022 by Xavier Estellés Herrero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2022 by Subrata kumar Behera (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2022 by Danilo Saavedra (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Oct 3, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 3, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Oct 3, 2015 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 12, 2012 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jul 1, 2016 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Jun 11, 2021 by Nelson Zamora Villalobos (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5418047)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:595185-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Eugenia monticola (Sw.) DC.)

Specifications

Growth