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