This native South American evergreen shrub to small tree (up to 3.5 m) is a useful fruiting hedge species. It is tolerant of drought, shade, wind, salt spray and frosts to - 2°C.
It usually takes about twenty years to reach full height but often bears fruit in its third or fourth year. The fruit ripens a few weeks after flowering. It often bears two crops a year in warmer climates.
Nutritional composition of the pitanga per 100 grams of edible portion is: Water - 85.8%, Energy - 51 calories, Carbohydrate - 12.5 g, Fat - 0.4 g, Protein - 0.8 g, Ash - 0.5 g, Calcium - 9 mg, Iron - 0.2 mg, Phosphorous - 11 mg, Vitamin A - 1500 I.U., Thiamin - 0.03 mg, Ribofla-vin - 0.04 mg, Niacin - 0.3 mg, Ascorbic acid - 30 mgs.
In Brazil the leaves are spread on the floor and release an aroma when walked on which repels flies. The bark is rich in tannin and is used for tanning leather. The seeds are toxic.
It can be propagated from seed and cuttings.