Jaboticaba

Also known as: Jaboticaba, Brazilian grape tree, jabuticaba

Plinia cauliflora is a slow-growing evergreen tree with smooth, mottled bark and dense, glossy, elliptic leaves. Small white flowers emerge directly from the trunk and older branches, a distinctive cauliflorous habit. They are followed by round, dark purple to almost black fruits with translucent, juicy pulp. The unusual trunk-borne flowers and edible fruits give the tree both ornamental and culinary value.

Scientific classification

Species: Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora)
Genus: Plinia
Family: Myrtaceae

Non-toxic to people; the ripe fruit is edible, although pets should not be allowed to consume large quantities of fruit or seeds.
Toxicity: Tree · Fruit Edible
Plant type: 4 - 8 metres
Height: 3 - 6 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Upright · Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Jaboticaba pictures

Distribution of Jaboticaba

Distribution map

South-eastern Brazil

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Culture

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Toxicity

Non-toxic to people; the ripe fruit is edible, although pets should not be allowed to consume large quantities of fruit or seeds.

Quick identification of Jaboticaba

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Jaboticaba care guide

Keep evenly moist but well drained; water deeply when the surface begins to dry
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: 20 – 30 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Keep evenly moist but well drained; water deeply when the surface begins to dry

Fertilizing

Apply a light balanced or fruit-tree feed every 4-6 weeks during active growth

Pruning

Prune lightly after harvest or during warm active growth, removing dead, crossing and crowded shoots. Avoid heavy pruning because flowers and fruits are produced on the trunk and older branches.

Propagation

Sow fresh, cleaned seed in a warm, humid medium at about 22-28°C; viability declines quickly if seed is allowed to dry. Seedlings are slow to reach fruiting size and may vary. Air layering, grafting or softwood cuttings under mist can be used to retain selected fruit characteristics, although rooting may be slow.

Growing

Grow in fertile, humus-rich, acidic to neutral soil that remains evenly moist but drains freely. Provide full sun for best fruiting, with light afternoon shade in very hot climates, and shelter from cold drying winds. Water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry; prolonged drought can cause leaf scorch and fruit drop, while waterlogging damages the roots. Feed lightly with a balanced or fruit-tree fertiliser during active growth and maintain an organic mulch without covering the trunk. Protect from frost, especially while young, and overwinter container plants in a bright frost-free place in cool climates.

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Common pests and diseases

Diseases

Generally robust in suitable conditions, but root rot may occur in waterlogged soil and leaf spots or anthracnose can develop where foliage remains persistently wet with poor air circulation.