Hebrew: פִּיטַנְגּוֹ; Peetongo
Family: Myrtaceae
Scientific name: Eugenia uniflora
Pitanga is a tropical, perennial, evergreen plant. It is easy to shape as a low shrub with branched stems, and it does not require frequent watering. These features make it an ideal ornamental plant, often used for hedges and similar purposes, which is its primary cultivation. The fruit is small, delicate, and sour, turning orange or red with a purple hue when fully ripe. It can be eaten and used to make alcoholic beverages, liqueurs, and more.
The pitanga plant originates from Brazil and was introduced here during the British Mandate.
Orlah & neta revay (waiting three years for fruit & fourth-year trees): The plant is often grown as an ornamental bush or a living fence in home yards. Only fruit trees as subject to the laws of orlah and neta revay, not to trees designated for other purposes, such as décor or fencing. Therefore, if the plant was planted only as a living fence and this is apparent from the way it was planted, orlah laws do not apply. However, if planted also for its fruit, the laws of orlah and neta revay apply.
Terumot and ma’aserot (offerings and tithes): Pitanga plants are mostly grown in the home garden, which is considered a place that obligates separating terumot and ma’aserot (kavu’ah lema’aser). However, if only one fruit is picked, it is considered a snack and thus is exempt from terumot and ma’aserot. If two fruits are picked at a time, though, they become obligated in terumot and ma’aserot.
© כל הזכויות שמורות 2024 | הצהרת נגישות