Characteristics of Brazilian Grapetree Tree (Plinia cauliflora) in the Wild

Brazilian grapetree or Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a fruit tree in the Myrtaceae family, native to Minas Gerais, Goiás, and the state of Sao Paulo in Brazil. This tree is known for its purple-black fruit and can be eaten raw or processed to make jelly, jam, juice, and even grapes.

The name “Jaboticaba” comes from the words “jaboti/jabuti” (tortoise) and “caba” (place), meaning the place where one can find turtles.

The Brazilian grapetree tree has become a species that is widely used in bonsai art, especially in Taiwan and the Caribbean.

 

Characteristics of Brazilian Grapetree Leaf

The leaves are salmon-pink or pink-orange when young, and turn green when mature.

 

Characteristics of Brazilian Grapetree Flower

The flowers are white and grow on stems. Brazilian grapetree can only flower and bear fruit once or twice a year.

 

Characteristics of Brazilian Grapetree Fruit

Brazilian grapetree fruit grows clustered in stems, round, and 3-4 cm in diameter. In the local Brazilian market, the fruit is eaten fresh, and their popularity is equated with grapes in general.

 

Characteristics of Brazilian Grapetree

Brazilian grapetree trees grow to form small to moderate trees with slow growth and can reach heights of 15 meters.

The tree itself prefers moist, slightly acidic soil. However, this Brazilian grapetree can adapt and thrive in alkaline sandy soils, as long as they are cared for and often watered.

 
HOW TO CULTURE BRAZILIAN GRAPETREE

Propagation or cultivation of Brazilian grapetree trees that are widely used by farmers is by graft. With a graft, it will begin to bear fruit in the next 5-7 years. While planting from seeds takes at least 10 to 20 years to be able to bear fruit.