Ugni molinae
Common Name Uni.
Family Myrtaceae.
Synonyms Eugenia ugni. Ugni molinae.
Known Hazards None known.
Range S. America - Chile.
Physical Characteristics
Ugni molinae is an evergreen Shrub growing to 2 m (6ft) by 1 m (3ft 3in) at a medium rate.
It is hardy to zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf 12-Jan It is in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from Aug to October. The flowers are hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. The plant prefers light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and requires well-drained soil. The plant prefers acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It requires dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.
Habitats
Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Hedge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Coffee; Fruit; Tea.
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.
Other Uses
Hedge; Hedge.
Tolerant of trimming, it can be grown as a small hedge in the milder parts of Britain.
Cultivation
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. A very ornamental plant, it is only hardy in the milder parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant. The young growth in spring can be damaged by late frosts.
Plants grow and fruit very well in Cornwall, indeed, in the past it has been cultivated commercially for its fruit there (it was one of Queen Victoria’s favourite fruits), but is now normally only grown as an ornamental plant. This is a much underused plant that highly merits cultivation on a commercial scale for its fruit. Flowers and fruits well even when the plants are young. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.
Propagation
Pre-soak the seed for 24 hours in warm water and then sow it in late winter 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.
Author: Turcz on Plants for a Future
