Jaboticaba

Frost Tolerance: Semi hardy in Phoenix, protect for coldest nights. Hardy to 25° F (-6° C)

Sun Exposure: Light shade

Origin: Brazil

Growth Habits: Small bushy tree

Propagation: Seeds

This small bushy tree from Brazil is not well known in other tropical areas. It is a slow-growing evergreen tree with opposite, lanceolate, leathery leaves less than 2 inches in length.

Blooming Habits:
The small white flowers are produced in clusters along the central trunk and larger branches.

Fruiting Habits:
About 1 month after flowering, the purplish black fruits ripen. In both appearance and flavor they resemble grapes. The tough skin surrounds a soft, juicy, subacid flavored pulp, which is very slightly aromatic. Embedded in the pulp is generally a single small seed. The first crop is produced in the spring and is followed by 2 or 3 lighter crops at about monthly intervals. The fruit is eaten fresh or made into jelly.

Propagation:
The plants are propagated by seeds, which germinate about one month from sowing. Growth of the seedlings is slow, and plants require about 10 years to bear. In Brazil, superior varieties are propagated by inarching.

Links:
CRFG Fruit Facts