Plinia cauliflora aka Jaboticaba

Taxonomy

Plinia cauliflora, also known as Jabuticaba or Brazilian Grape Tree, is a slow-growing, medium-sized fruit tree native to South Brazil. Its round and dense crown is adorned with small, dark green leaves and white, small flowers. The tree bears purplish-black, white-pulped fruit that grows directly on its trunk and is high in Vitamin C. The fruit can be eaten raw or used to make jellies, jams, juice, or wine. In Brazil, Jacoticaba fruit jam is also known as "Brazilian Grape Jelly". This ornamental tree can be grown from seeds or by grafting and is often used as a bonsai or grown in containers. The Jabuticaba, a tropical shrub to tree, is similar to Plinia cauliflora and is native to Brazil and Bolivia. This plant is most recognizable for its large, spherical, dark purple fruits that grow directly from its trunk and are delicious raw or cooked. Jabuticaba grows best in full sun to part shade and rich, moist, well-drained soil. Both Plinia cauliflora and Jabuticaba are related species in the genus Myrciaria and are native to various South American countries.

Common names

Jaboticaba, Brazilian Grapetree, Brazilian Grape

How to care for Jaboticaba

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Jaboticaba is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

Jaboticaba should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Jaboticaba loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

Jaboticaba requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Brazilian Grapetree is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Jaboticaba to go dormant, resulting in a slowdown of growth. To accommodate this, waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Fertilizer

The Jaboticaba is characterized by its slow growth and doesn't need fertilization in addition to its potting soil. By renewing the soil in its pot once a year, it should have enough nutrition. Remember, plants get their energy from sunlight, not from any fertilizers.


More info:
Wikipedia