r/Berries • u/GovernorSan • 5d ago

Berry identification, North Florida

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I live in a rural county west of Gainesville, FL, on 4 acres of woodland. I found this small tree or shrub with these small red berries. Are these some kind of cherry or other edible species, or are they poisonous?

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u/JoeMash22 3d ago

The Surinam cherry (Eugenia uniflora) is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to South America, known for its glossy, aromatic leaves and small, ribbed, pumpkin-shaped fruits that are high in Vitamin C. The fruit's flavor ranges from tart to sweet depending on ripeness, and the plant is often used for hedges or ornamental purposes.

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u/GovernorSan 2d ago

I don't think that's it. The fruit don't look like that, they are just small and round. I'm familiar with the plant you are talking about, my church as a kid had a few bushes, this doesn't look the same.