The Grumichama is a small tree that is a perfect choice for an urban landscaping. It produces fruits that have been called “the tropical equivalent of the cherry.” They are not true cherries (Prunus) but there are many similarities that make you forget the differences. This species is native to southern Brazil and in Australia is grown pretty much everywhere, but prefers tropical and subtropical areas. It prefers partial shade, but can survive in full sun and can survive with a neglectful parent, but it will reward you well if you water it. In Australia, Grumichamas grow up to 3m tall, profusely branching not far above ground with glossy, thick and leathery leaves. The fruits are more or less spherical, about 2 cm across, red to dark purple. They look and taste rather like large cherries. Some of the cultivars have white pulp inside the red fruits, some are yellow skinned, but red pulp is more common. They are soft and easily damaged when ripe, so take care when picking and storing them. (You will need to net them to protect from flying foxes, possums and birds.)They are rather slow-growing, especially if the soil is poor or alkaline. Add peat moss or coffee grounds to the soil before you plant the trees, then add a wood chip mulch to the surface afterwards. This will help the plants get established and begin growing. Alternatively, they also do well in large containers, perhaps a 100-litre pot.The slow growth does have the advantage of allowing you to prune the plants into any shape that is convenient for you. Thus you can keep them short enough so that you will not need a ladder to harvest the fruits. Grumichamas make excellent hedges or screen plants.The Gruminchama plant doesn't flower until it is about 3-4 years old. But when it does begin to flower and fruit, the speed at which the fruit ripens is remarkable. Fruits take only a few weeks after flowering to reach perfection, rapidly filling the tree with juicy, delicious fruits. Anything you do with cherries you can do with Brazilian cherries. You can eat them fresh. You can make pies, jams, jellies, ice blocks, cheesecake, tarts, pastries or strudel. Anything you can dream of!Nutritionally, Gruminchama are high in Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus and sugar!Image: ribeiroantonio/Shutterstock