Plinia cauliflora
COMMON NAME | Jabuticaba or
Brazilian grape tree |
TYPE | Tree |
FAMILY | Myrtaceae |
NOTES | A tropical to
subtropical evergreen tree or large shrub that bears edible, thick-skinned,
grape-like purple fruits with a sweet, juicy, gelatinous, white pulp. It is a
cauliflorous (flowers and fruits grow directly from the trunks and large
branches) member of the myrtle family. It typically grows to 10-25' tall with
a dense, bushy, rounded form. Yellowish-white flowers emerge in clusters on
the trunks and branches. Flowers are followed by globose purple fruits
(average 1" diameter) that appear singly or in clusters. Trees may
flower and fruit multiple times throughout the year (up to 5-6 times per year
in native Brazil). Fruit is edible fresh off the tree (pinch each fruit
between thumb and forefinger to squeeze out the flavorful pulp without eating
the skin which is edible but high in tannin). Fruits are sometimes made into
marmalades, jellies and wine. |
GEOGRAPHIC REGION | Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru and
Bolivia |
NATIVE HABITAT | Native to the hilly
region around Rio de Janeiro and Minas Gerais |
WEB SOURCES |
