A’abang March 2017 reinwardtiana Native of Guam

’abang is a beautiful medium-sized with hard, durable wood that is Atraditionally used in construction. This tree can be found in limestone forests and has edible .

Other Common Names: Australian Beach cherry, Beach cherry, Cedar Bay cherry, Mountain stopper, Nioi, Reinwardt’s cherry Synonyms: Eugenia carissoides, Eugenia hyspospodia, Eugenia kangeanensis Family Name:

Plant Appearance

Distinctive feature: The outer bark of this tree constantly sloughs off in irregular patches, revealing a paler A’abang flowera. inner bark. The leaves are larger and have rounder tips than Eugenia palumbis leaves. Leaf Shape: Oval-shaped (elliptical) Arrangement: Opposite Type: Compound Flower Size: About 0.80 in. with 4-5 petals Color: Cream/white c a Shape: Cross-shaped (cruciform) with A’abang leaf . A’abang fruit . four petals at right angle to one another Arrangement: Solitary in the leaf axils or a few together with fine stamens growing from the center Flowering period: All year round Habit Typical height: 7-50 ft.

A’abang seeda. A’abang seedlingb.

College of Natural & Applied Sciences USDA is an equal University of Guam | Unibetsedåt Guahan opportunity employer and provider. Fruit Contributors Risks Type: Drupe, fleshy fruit Christine Bucayu-Laurent, James R. Size: 0.80 in., round Hollyer, Adrienne Loerzel, and Kristine Near surface roots: None Borja. Color: Orange-red Limb breakage: Low Number of : 1 (mature Acknowledgements turns black) Special considerations: None Special thanks to John “Bart” Lawrence Pests: Black twig borer and ohi’a or Edible: are eaten fresh. for his valuable contribution in the com- guava rust (Puccinia psidii). The ohi’a pletion of this factsheet. rust is aggressive and can pose serious Growing Your Own problems especially during rainy Notes season. If the is attacked by these pests, immediately trim affected areas This publication is an update of: PROPAGATION and bag them securely for disposal. Kristine Borja. 2007. A’abang. Guam Form: Seeds and cuttings Never put infected trimmings in a Department of Agriculture. 2pp. Seed collection: Seeds from ripe fruits compost pile. may be collected from the tree or the For Further Information ground. How to Use This Plant Forestry & Soil Resources Division Seed treatment: Seeds should be Guam Department of Agriculture sown when they are ripe and before A’abang is an excellent potted fruiting Phone: (671) 735-3949/51 drying out, but dry seeds may also Fax: (671) 734-0111 germinate. plant that can produce abundant sweet cherries. Although slow growers, they 163 Dairy Rd, Mangilao, Guam 96913 Germination time: Usually 1-3 months have a strong root system that can http://forestry.guam.gov/ after sowing. serve numerous purposes. Planting depth: 1-1.6 in. Agroforestry: Accent plant, hedges, Pre-planting recommendations: screening, bonsai, and firewood • Wait for root system to fill a 1-gal pot. Wildlife: Bird food • Ensure shoot growth is at least 1 ft. Medicinal: The fruit is a rich source of above pot height and no taller than 2 antioxidants. ft. and ensure girth is at least 1/2 in. in diameter. Other uses: A’abang wood was traditionally used for tool handles, fence Special hints: A’abang makes a good posts, and other walking sticks. potted plant but is slow growing. Pollinators: Bees References and Resources

Production Conditions Raulerson, L. and A. Rinehart. 1991. and of the pH value: Neutral, 6.6-7.3 Northern Mariana Islands. Coastal Water: Low to moderate Resources Management, Office of the Governor, CNMI. 120p. Salt tolerance: High Safford, William Edwin. 1905. Useful Wind tolerance: High Plants of Guam. Washington Soil characteristics: Moist, well- Government Printing Office. 416 p. drained, fertile loamy www.florfaunaweb.nparks.gov.sg Light: Full sun, partial sun www.logees.com Space requirement: 8-12 ft. www.nativeplants..edu Growth rate: 1-3 ft. per year www.tropical.theferns.info Growth direction: Open and upright www.wikipedia.org Fertilizer: Once every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced dilute fertilizer such as 15-15- Photo Credits 15 or lower. a. Lauren Gutierrez Pruning: A’abang can be pruned b. Christine Bucayu-Laurent anytime and into many shapes.