Plinia cauliflora aka Jaboticaba

Plinia cauliflora is a slow-growing evergreen tree that typically reaches 5-13 meters (15-40 feet) in height with a dense, rounded crown spreading 3.5-10 meters (12-30 feet) wide. In container cultivation, it rarely exceeds 2.5-3 meters (8-10 feet). The tree grows at a notably slow rate, with seed-grown specimens taking 8-15 years to produce their first fruit. However, it is remarkably long-lived, with some trees exceeding 150 years of age.

Plinia cauliflora is native to southeastern Brazil, particularly the states of Minas Gerais, São Paulo, and areas from Pernambuco to Paraná. Its range also extends into eastern Bolivia, Paraguay, and northeastern Argentina. The species typically grows in riverine areas and seasonally dry tropical forests, which explains its preference for rich, moist soil. It was introduced to California in 1904 and is now cultivated throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Plinia cauliflora thrives in tropical to subtropical temperatures. It grows best where temperatures remain above 15°C (59°F) year-round. The tree can tolerate brief cold spells down to -3°C (26-27°F) when dormant, but extended freezing temperatures will cause significant damage or death. Ideal growing temperatures range from 20-30°C (68-86°F). In marginal climates, container cultivation allows moving plants indoors during winter. Young trees are more cold-sensitive than established specimens.

Plinia cauliflora prefers moderate to high humidity levels, reflecting its native habitat in Brazilian riverine forests. While it adapts to average indoor humidity when grown as a houseplant, it performs best with humidity levels above 50%. In dry climates or during winter indoor cultivation, occasional misting or a humidity tray can be beneficial. However, excessive humidity during flowering can interfere with fruit set—rain and overhead irrigation during the first 3 days after bloom are harmful to pollination.

Yes, Plinia cauliflora produces small, fragrant white to white-yellow flowers that grow in clusters, typically of four, directly on the trunk and major branches (cauliflorous). This unusual flowering pattern is the tree's most distinctive feature. Flowering occurs intermittently year-round in tropical climates, with the heaviest bloom period in late winter to early spring (late March/April in the Southern Hemisphere). Flowers are very fragrant and attract bees for pollination. In optimal conditions with cross-pollination, the tree can produce fruit 5-6 times per year.

Plinia cauliflora is primarily pollinated by bees attracted to the fragrant white flowers. While the tree can self-pollinate, cross-pollination significantly improves fruit set and yield. Overhead irrigation and rain during the first three days after flowering can harm fruit set, so protection during this period improves yields. Commercial growers space trees approximately 9 meters apart to allow adequate pollinator access while maximizing orchard density.

Plinia cauliflora can be propagated by several methods. Seeds are the most common method, with 90%+ germination rates occurring within 20-40 days. Interestingly, seeds are polyembryonic, typically producing 4-6 identical seedlings per seed. However, seed-grown trees take 8-15 years to fruit. For faster fruiting (4-6 years), vegetative propagation is preferred: air-layering and inarching are most successful, while side-veneer grafting works fairly well. Cuttings and layering can fruit in as little as 4 years. Seeds should be planted fresh as viability decreases rapidly.

Plinia cauliflora can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA hardiness zones 10-12 (UK zone 10). It requires frost-free conditions or only very brief, light frosts down to -3°C. In subtropical areas of Florida, California, Hawaii, and similar climates, it thrives outdoors. The tree prefers full sun, acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5), consistent moisture, and protection from salt spray and wind. In marginal zones (9b), it may survive with winter protection but struggles to fruit reliably. Outside tropical zones, container cultivation is recommended.

Plinia cauliflora requires minimal pruning and many growers leave it unpruned. However, light pruning can improve tree structure and fruit production. Remove damaged, crossing, or dead branches as needed. For improved light penetration and air circulation, some growers recommend keeping the first 80 cm of trunk clear of branches. Because the tree fruits directly on trunks and branches (cauliflorous), avoid removing major limbs that bear fruit. The slow growth rate means pruning wounds heal slowly, so avoid heavy pruning. Container specimens can be shaped for bonsai cultivation.

Container-grown Plinia cauliflora should be repotted every 2-3 years or when roots become crowded. The best time is late winter to early spring before the main flowering period. Use a slightly larger pot with excellent drainage and acidic potting mix (pH 5.5-6.5). Add organic matter and pine bark to maintain acidity. Because the tree has high iron requirements, ensure the new soil contains chelated iron or add iron supplements. The slow growth rate means frequent repotting is unnecessary, and root pruning can be done for bonsai specimens to maintain size.

Plinia cauliflora is relatively pest and disease resistant. Minor pest issues include aphids, scale insects, nematodes, and spider mites, which are typically manageable with standard horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps. In Florida, wildlife predation from raccoons and opossums eating ripe fruit can be problematic. The main disease concern is rust fungus, which can develop during prolonged wet conditions—regular irrigation during dry periods helps prevent this. Excessive overhead watering during flowering can cause fruit set problems. Iron chlorosis may occur in alkaline soils, correctable with chelated iron applications.

Yes, the fruit is highly edible and is the main reason for cultivating this tree. The grape-like berries have sweet, gelatinous pulp similar to muscadine grapes with a slightly resinous flavor. To eat fresh, squeeze the fruit between thumb and finger to pop out the pulp, discarding the skin which is high in tannins. The fruit is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. It's also processed into wine, liqueur, jelly, jam, syrup, and vinegar. In Brazil, jabuticaba wine and jellies are commercially important. Fresh fruit spoils within 2-3 days at room temperature, so consume quickly or process immediately after harvest.

In Brazilian traditional medicine, sun-dried fruit skin decoctions are used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, asthma, and tonsil inflammation. The fruit's high antioxidant content provides potential health benefits. However, modern scientific validation of these medicinal uses is limited, and PFAF rates medicinal uses as 0/5. Important caution: the fruit skin contains high levels of tannins which can be harmful if consumed in large quantities over extended periods, with some carcinogenic risk from excessive tannin intake. For medicinal purposes, consult healthcare professionals rather than relying on traditional uses.

Beyond its edible fruit, Plinia cauliflora serves several ornamental purposes. Its unique cauliflorous fruiting habit (flowers and fruit on the trunk) makes it a stunning specimen tree. The attractive peeling bark with reddish-brown coloration and the dense, rounded evergreen canopy provide year-round visual interest. The slow growth rate and tolerance of container culture make it excellent for bonsai cultivation. Fragrant flowers attract pollinators to gardens. In Brazil, mature trees are valued landscape specimens, with some heritage trees over 150 years old. The wood is not commercially important due to the tree's small size and slow growth.

Several Plinia species are cultivated as jabuticaba, though they are sometimes confused. The most common is Plinia cauliflora (also known as Myrciaria cauliflora), which has fruit up to 3.5cm diameter. Other related species include P. jaboticaba (smaller fruit), P. coronata (larger fruit), and P. phitrantha. Within P. cauliflora, cultivated selections exist based on fruit size, flavor, and productivity, though named cultivars are not as standardized as other fruit crops. Brazilian growers often select superior fruiting trees for propagation, resulting in regional varieties with varying characteristics.

Yes, Plinia cauliflora has fragrant flowers that are described as 'extremely fragrant' with a sweet, pleasant scent. The small white flowers that appear directly on the trunk and branches emit this fragrance to attract bee pollinators. The flowering period, primarily in late winter to spring, fills the area around the tree with a delicate floral scent. The leaves and bark are not particularly fragrant. The ripe fruit has a pleasant grape-like aroma when fresh.