The Uvaia (iwa’ya)

The uvaia is a plant in the Myrtaceae family, comprising more than twenty species. It is typically a shrub or small tree, reaching heights of up to thirteen meters and a trunk diameter of 30 to 50 centimeters. Native to the Atlantic Rain Forest, its name derives from the Tupi term *iwa’ya*, which means “acidic, sour fruit.” The flowers of the uvaia are white and hermaphroditic, growing either solitarily or in clusters. This plant thrives in dense ombrophilous forests, semideciduous seasonal forests, riparian forests, as well as in caatinga and cerrado ecosystems.

Uvaia is known for its high vitamin C content, which is about four times that found in oranges. The fruit has a delicate pulp, covered by a very thin, slightly velvety golden-yellow skin. Its aroma is soft and very pleasant.

Uvaia fruits are consumed by tanagers, thrushes, parrots, and parakeets making the plant highly recommended for heterogeneous reforestation projects to restore degraded areas as well as for permanent preservation.

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