Ugni is a small genus of evergreen shrubs in the myrtle family (Myrtaceae), placed in the order Myrtales. It was described as a distinct genus in 1848, having previously been included in either Myrtus or Eugenia; it is distinguished from both by its drooping flowers in which the stamens are notably shorter than the petals.
Plants in this genus are shrubs typically reaching 1–5 metres (3–16 ft) tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, 1–4 cm long, entire, and glossy dark green; when crushed they release a spicy fragrance. Flowers are nodding (drooping), 1–2 cm in diameter, bearing four or five white to pale pink petals and numerous short stamens. The fruit is a small red or purple berry approximately 1 cm in diameter.
The genus is native to western Latin America, with its centre of diversity in the Valdivian temperate rain forests of southern Chile, extending to the Juan Fernández Islands and adjacent parts of southern Argentina, and ranging north through Andean habitats to southern Mexico.
The best-known member is Ugni molinae (Chilean guava, murtilla), which bears edible berries used to make jams, jellies, desserts, and piquant drinks. Some commercial "strawberry flavouring" is in fact derived from this species rather than from strawberries. U. molinae is also grown as an ornamental plant.
Etymology
The genus name Ugni derives from Uñi, the Mapuche (indigenous Chilean) name for Ugni molinae. The genus was formerly subsumed within Myrtus or Eugenia, but it is set apart by its characteristic drooping flowers with stamens shorter than the petals.
Distribution
Ugni is native to western Latin America, centred on the Valdivian temperate rain forests of southern Chile, including the Juan Fernández Islands, with populations extending into adjacent southern Argentina and northward through Andean and montane habitats to southern Mexico.
Cultural Uses
Ugni molinae (murtilla or Chilean guava) is the most economically significant species. Its small berries are eaten fresh and processed into jams, jellies, desserts, and traditional fermented drinks in Chile. The species is also the source of some commercial strawberry flavouring, and it is cultivated as an ornamental shrub for its attractive foliage and fruit.
