Plinia cauliflora
Jaboticaba
Plinia cauliflora
Jaboticaba?! Yeah, Plinia cauliflora is one of the most interesting and distinct fruit trees to come out of South America. This is what one might consider a “beginners” jaboticaba, because once you buy this one, you will likely fall into the rabbit hole that is Jaboticaba diversity. Plinia spp. is a genus with over 100 different species, and on top of that, there are many cultivars and selections that mainly originate from South America. While this is just your regular ol Jaboticaba, don’t let that discourage you! It’s a beautiful tree with architecture that makes this a focal point in the garden. The flowers and fruits are intriguing and will definitely captivate anyone who gets the opportunity to see it. If you are looking for a good tropical fruit that you can keep in a pot for many years to come, this is one of the best options there is!
Family: Myrtaceae
Name: Plinia cauliflora
Common Name / Native Name: Jaboticaba/Jabuticaba
Range: East Bolivia and Eastern Brazil
Sun: Full sun/ Part shade
Height: 20+ feet in late maturity
Width: 10+ feet
Foliage: Small green ovate leaves, bright red sprays of new growth
Flower: White, small clusters found on the trunk of the tree
Fruit: A deep purple fruit with a white interior.
Soil Type/ pH: Prefers acidity some cultivars less affected than others by high pH
USDA Climate Zones: 9b+, with potential to 9a in protected locations
Cold Hardiness: Survived frosts to high 20’s for brief amounts of time, no damage
Edibility: A highly sought after fruit that is reminiscent of a really good grape. The fruits of P. cauliflora are always delicious but variable in their quality between selections and seedlings. The skin can be somewhat thick on some selections with the potential for a slight astringency, although there are some thin skinned selections and those that have less tannins contributing to subtle astringency.