Tropical Plant "Camarinha"
Gaylussacia brasiliensis

Characteristics - Gaylussacia brasiliensis is not a cultivated fruit bearer however it is frequent in its natural habitat, the levees (restingas), rocky fields and high altitude fields from Pernambuccon to Rio Grande do Sul, as well as central Brazil. It is a shrub with densely foliated branches, 0.3-1.0 m tall. Leaves are simple, coriaceous, glabrous, 2-6 cm long. Flowers are androgynous, red, arranged on racemose, axillary inflorescences that bloom almost year-round. Fruits are berry-type, globose, with many tiny seeds dispersed through the carnose pulp. The flavor is sweet and pleasant. They ripen almost all year long, predominantly in the summer.

Uses - The fruits are consumed in their natural state, as well as being used to make jellies.

Propagation - Propagated by seeds.