The Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora), also known as the Brazilian cherry, holds a special place in the hearts and taste buds of Bermudians. This glossy, vibrant fruit has been a part of Bermuda’s landscape for centuries. For many Bermudians, childhood memories are sweetened by the experience of plucking the bright red cherries straight from backyard bushes or hedgerows while walking home from school, savouring their tart-sweet burst of flavour. Ripening in April and May, the Surinam cherry offers a seasonal delight that signals the arrival of spring.
Historically, Bermudians have made extensive use of the Surinam cherry for preserves, jams, jellies, and even wine. (Although this tradition has waned somewhat, the fruit still holds excellent qualities for preservation.)
Native to tropical South America – particularly Brazil, Suriname and Guyana – the Surinam cherry likely made its way to Bermuda in the late eighteenth or early nineteenth century, most likely introduced by sailors or botanists navigating the Atlantic trade routes. Its ability to adapt to Bermuda’s subtropical climate ensured its place in the island’s gardens, wild spaces and ornamental hedges. The plant thrives in sandy, alkaline soils and can withstand occasional droughts, making it a hardy and resilient addition to Bermuda’s growing conditions.
Botanically, the Surinam cherry is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to fifteen feet tall. The plant’s ornamental value is undeniable. As an evergreen, it remains attractive year-round, featuring dark green leaves that are glossy on top and paler underneath. Its spring blossoms create a soft, pleasing appearance and attract honeybees collecting nectar and pollen. When the bright red fruits appear, they add a striking touch to gardens. The cherry is ideal for use as a background shrub, for screening purposes or as a formal hedge. With careful clipping, the hedge can maintain dense foliage from top to bottom, a desirable feature for garden design.
Despite its many charms, the Surinam cherry is not without its complications. In Bermuda and other regions, it is considered invasive due to its prolific growth and seed dispersal by birds and animals. Its aggressive spread can outcompete native plants, raising ecological concerns. Nevertheless, many Bermudians view it as a naturalised component of the landscape, contributing to the island’s lush greenery and nostalgic beauty.
N.L. Britton acknowledged the Surinam cherry as naturalised in Bermuda in his 1918 publication The Flora of Bermuda. Notably, during 1910-1914, many Surinam cherry plants were destroyed because their fruits harboured the Mediterranean fruit fly, a serious pest to peaches and other fruits. Despite this, the plant remains abundant across the island. Most locals simply refer to it as a “cherry tree,” rarely bothering with the word “Surinam.”
The Surinam cherry is a prime example of how an introduced species can thrive in a new environment, becoming deeply woven into the cultural and natural fabric of a place. Its bright fruits and resilient growth continue to be a cherished part of Bermuda’s gardens and wild spaces, offering both visual beauty and flavourful memories for generations.
