An unknown (uninvited) newcomer to my garden—didn’t know if it’s a weed or whether it’s a tree — I guess time will tell. But if uninvited “visitors” keep showing up (like the Juncus - common Rush - on the right) I’ll have to start rethinking my “succulent gatden” category …
Upon doing some research, it turns out that it is a Surrinam Cherry (Eugenia uniflora), which is an evergreen shrub or small tree often used for screening or hedges native to tropical South America. It is known for glossy, dark green leaves that can turn reddish, especially on new growth. It is well-known for it’s glossy leaves and tangy red fruit, which birds love.
However, because it adapts aggressively to subtropical conditions, it is classified as an invasive species in South Africa and poses a threat to indigenous biodiversity. It easily invades coastal forests—particularly in KwaZulu Natal—displacing native vegetation.
So here’s my quandry—food for wildlife is under constant threat as we all know (I won’t go into details, that’s a post on it’s own) and I like planting my garden with plants that include food for birds, insects and wildlife, so the Surrinam Cherry is high on that list. But if I want to keep this tree in my garden, I’m going to have to constantly monitor it’s growth, remiving flowers before they can turn into berries and constantly prune it to keep it at a managable height.
Maybe it’s not worth keeping if it’s not going to be serving any useful purpose …
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