The cagaita, known scientifically as *Eugenia dysenterica* DC., belongs to the Myrtaceae family and is a tree native to the Brazilian Cerrado that is found mainly in areas of open vegetation and transitional regions. It is a species of great ecological, food and cultural importance, especially for communities that traditionally use its fruits and other natural resources from the Cerrado.

It is a small to medium-sized tree, capable of reaching approximately 4 to 10 meters in height. It has a generally tortuous trunk, a characteristic cortex and a rounded crown. Its leaves are simple, green and bright, although the flowers are small, clear and delicate, and appear softly in periods determined by the climatic conditions. Flowering contributes to providing resources to bees and other pollinating insects.

The most prominent feature of the cagaita is its fruit: a small round bay with a ripe yellow color, with juicy pulp and a characteristic, slightly acidic flavor. The fruit can be consumed naturally and can also be used in the preparation of juices, jams, sweets, ice cream, liqueurs and other recipes. It is a species that demonstrates the potential of native Brazilian fruits for nutrition and for the development of products associated with biodiversity.

From a nutritional point of view, the cagaita provides vitamin C, fiber and bioactive compounds, including phenolic substances and carotenoids. These components are of interest due to their antioxidant properties and the nutritional value of the fruit. The value of these native foods can also contribute to diversifying the diet and promoting sustainable production chains based on the natural resources of the Cerrado.

The cave also performs an important ecological function. Its fruits serve as food for several species of wild fauna, thus contributing to ecological relationships and the dispersion of seeds. The tree also participates in the composition and maintenance of the vegetation of the Cerrado, one of the biomes with the greatest biodiversity on the planet, which faces important pressures resulting from the loss and fragmentation of habitats.