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Other Names: Jabuticabas,
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Related To:
[Mrytaceae] Cambuca, Camu Camu, Blue Grape
Main Uses:
Fruit; Ornamental
Growth Rate:
Slow to moderate
Mature Height/Spread:
To 20' but usually kept smaller.
Flowering/Pollination:
Cauliflorous, small, white.
Tolerance:
Mildly drought tolerant, but will shed foliage accordingly. Prefers consistently moist soils. Tolerates brief flooding and wet feet.
Soil/Nutrition:
Neutral to acidic, preferring acidity. Seedlings and container plants show fastest growth on 100% pure peat moss soils. This species is best fertilized with organic methods / fertilizers, to which it responds very well. It's root system is sensitive and simply does not respond well to synthetic fertilizers. Some growers dig small pits around mature trees and fill them with composted organic matter. Micro-nutrient foliar sprays are rather effective for inducing growth flushes with this species. Highly recommend mulching constantly with this species.
Light:
Full sun to part shade.
Wind:
Fairly sturdy, but strongs winds can topple it. This species has a shallow root system and sensitive roots. If disturbed it may drop all of it's leaves, and appear to be dead. It can take many months to show signs of recovery.
Temperature:
Mid 20's F with no damage. Despite being a tropical species, it is quite cold tolerant.
Dangers:
None. The skin of this species does contain small amounts of tannins, which bind and inhibit nutrients in the digestive tract. Most people only eat the flesh, discarding the skin. If you do eat the skins, do so in moderation.
Diseases Prone:
Unknown.
Bearing Age:
Seedlings can take 6-10 years to bear. Younger trees can be girdled to induce fruiting, but the author does not recommend this method. If you have difficulty fruiting adult plants, you can stress them by dissolving 3 aspirin (Bayer) in a gallon of water, and pouring it onto the feeder roots. This light chemical stress induces fruiting in stubborn trees. Given a 100% peat moss soil, and an appropriate fertilization program, these plants can grow quicker than their typical pace.
Fruit:
The fruits turn purple when ripe. They remain on the trees for a week or so, developing subtle differences in flavor as they age on the tree. As the fruits over-ripen, they develop a mildly "swampy" tone. Try experimenting by eating the fruits at different ages on the tree, as their flavor changes from the color change to the ripening period over 7 days.
History/Origin:
Brazil, often in lowlands, along streams, and occasionally on flood plains.
The Tupi word "jabuticabas" ('djaa-booty-ca-bahs') means "where the turtles are," referring to the fact that turtles gather to eat the fallen fruits. Our understanding is that natives often ate the turtles, as well.
Species Observations:
The jaboticaba will undoubtedly attract attention wherever it is planted, as has a curious fruiting habit and delicious, well-liked fruits. Generally, it is still only available through specialty tropical fruit nurseries, however it is becoming more popular. The species is relatively easy to grow, when provided proper soil acidity. A bale of peat moss mixed with the native soil will do wonders for the health of this tree over the long term. This is perhaps the best step one can take for this species. It is nearly impossible to over-water, however it will suffer from prolonged drought. Like it's cousin the camu-camu (myrciaria dubia), this species can tolerate standing water for short periods.
There are many different varieties of Jaboticaba, but most are quite rare still in the continental US. The most common one is the purplish-black skinned variety with cloudy translucent flesh; the predominant cultivar of the species. Inquiry on this fruit will find mention of interesting types / varieties, most only known in South America. There is a pink fleshed variety, informally called "Rosea." There is a variety which grows bigger in all proportions, setting fruits twice the typical size; this variety is called "Paulista." The only downside of the large-fruiting variety is that it will tend to fruit only once a year. There are striped, ribbed, and turnip-shaped varieties also, but these are quite rare. The "yellow" Jaboticaba is actually myrciaria glomerata, which is fast-growing, not cauliflrous, and more closely related to the Suriman cherry. The "white" jaboticaba, or "Branca," is an altogether different species, plinia aureana. These esoteric varieties are available only through avid specialty fruit collectors and occasionally arboretums.
Propogation:
By seed or air layer.
Container Culture:
A very good container candidate. Excellent for bonsai.
Medicinal Uses:
Unknown.
Nutritional Information:
Unknown.
Preparation / Food:
Fruits are eaten fresh. Sometimes chilled.
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"Tree is in fine shape and budding! Packing was exceptional. Thank you so much!"
- Satisfied Customer 1
"WOW, Plant is 10X better than expected. Great condition. Thank you very much."
- Satisfied Customer 2
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