MYRCIARIA CAULIFLORA
Jaboticaba Fruit Tree
This is the very popular fruit tree known
as Jaboticaba or Brazilian Grape Tree. Jaboticaba
is pronounced in 5 syllables, Ja-boh-tee-ca-ba.
This attractive tropical tree is slow growing,
but eventually can reach a height of 15'-25'.
It is a cauliflorus tree meaning it flowers
and bears fruit along the branches and trunk
which is very neat. Jaboticabas are very easy
to grow. They like full to partial sun. The
soil cannot dry out too much, keep it moist.
It needs regular fertilization and freezing
temperatures should be avoided. Jaboticaba
is not an indoor plant. If you are going to
keep it indoors during the winter, search
a couple of websites about growing tropical
plants indoors, there is a lot of good information
available. The best part of this fruit tree
is of course THE FRUITS! The Jaboticaba bears
grape-like fruits, but with a thicker skin
which is usually not eaten like regular grapes.
Inside is a delicious, sweet gelatinous white
pulp which contains some seeds which can be
swallowed. The fruit can be eaten out of hand,
just pop open the fruit in your mouth with
your teeth and enjoy the sweet pulp inside,
throwing away the tough skin. Fruit can also
be made into jellies, jams, etc. This tree
is also good for bonsai because of its small
leaves and slow growing habit.
FAMILY: Myrtaceae
ORIGIN: Brazil
AVERAGE SIZE: 15' - 25'
LIGHT REQUIREMENTS : full sun to partial sun
WATER REQUIREMENTS : keep a little moist
MIN. TEMP.: low 30's
FLOWER: white flowers that grow on the trunk, flowers/fruit up to 3 times a year on mature trees
COMMENTS: delicious edible fruit