Jaboticaba
Jaboticaba can stop you in your tracks. It’s not something that you see every day, with its otherworldly flowers and grape-like fruits that cling directly to the bark. Not only is it visually appealing, but its edible fruits are prolific throughout much of the year. This small tree is a wonderful option for South Florida homes as a unique specimen in the landscape.
Characteristics
Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora, formerly known as Myrciaria cauliflora) is a slow-growing evergreen, but it becomes quite productive once mature. With patience, your tree can produce up to 100 pounds of fruit over the course of a season.
The fruits grow directly on the trunk and branches, giving the exterior of the tree a bumpy appearance. These small, round berries are typically 1 inch in diameter and resemble the texture and look of muscadine grapes. They have maroon-purple to black skin and a white pulp encasing one to five flattened seeds.
Edible with a sweet, tart flavor, jaboticaba fruits are commonly eaten fresh from the tree. They can also be used in smoothies, desserts, jams or wines. These sweet treats develop rapidly, about 25 days from flowering. The small white blooms pepper the tree similarly to the fruits and have an intoxicating scent. The flowers and berries are most abundant in spring, but they also appear periodically throughout much of the year.
Jaboticaba tends to form a rounded vase-like shape with low branches. The bark itself is reddish brown and peels away from the trunk to reveal a gray bark beneath. This Brazilian native grows quite tall in its homeland, but generally reaches no more than 16 feet in Florida.
Planting and Care
As a tropical plant, jaboticaba is best planted only in South Florida landscapes, hardiness zones 10a to 11b. It should be planted somewhere it can be enjoyed, like near a walkway or patio. It can even thrive in a planter. In fact, in southeastern Florida, jaboticaba might fare best in a container due to the high pH of the soil. Its dark berries can leave behind stains on surfaces, so keep in mind where the berries might fall when choosing a location. It’s best to surround the tree with mulch or low-growing groundcovers so that the trunk is visible and fruits are easily accessible.
Plant in full sun or partial shade with moist, well-drained soil. Jaboticaba does well when transplanted from a container, but it may take up to two years to become established. While this tree does well in warm environments, it cannot tolerate salt, so avoid planting in coastal areas.
Jaboticaba may take up to eight years to produce fruit. The peak harvest season is late March and April, with smaller yields during other parts of the year. Make sure to pick the berries within a few days after ripening, once they turn from green to purple or black. The fruits will spoil quickly after about two days at room temperature, so be sure to refrigerate or freeze promptly.
Jaboticaba is not significantly affected by any pests or disease, but can experience minor disturbances from aphids, scales, nematodes and spider mites.
This edible plant could make a useful addition to the landscape, providing ample fruits and plenty of charm. The fascinating growth pattern of the jaboticaba fruit and flowers is a point of interest to be enjoyed by all.