Plinia cauliflora Seeds | Jabuticaba
LATIN NAME: Plinia cauliflora
COMMON NAME: Jabuticaba
Plant Profile
Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) grows as a slow-growing, evergreen tree in the myrtle family. Jabuticaba is grape-dark fruit of warm trunk, and small, white flowers burst from bark in fine clusters. Berries have a long record as fine, sweet fruit of warm tables. It is a tree of open, sunny, deep, moist, well-drained ground. When it flowers, local bees and other insects make good use of it. In combination, these characteristics make a persuasive case for growing it.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Plinia cauliflora ranges from the botany of the myrtle family to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Modern propagation practice has made this species straightforward to raise by ordinary good methods.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Jabuticaba earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Jabuticaba is a fine, curious tree of warm garden and fruit collection. It is a fine, curious tree of open, sunny, deep, moist, well-drained garden. Keep young tree in warm, sheltered corner for the first years, and the bark fruits will come in the long run. Routine care after establishment is refreshingly light.
Jabuticaba fruits straight off its trunk, a Brazilian marvel rich in anthocyanins; the fresh fruit and its skin pigments are studied as functional antioxidants.
Growing from Seed
Starting Jabuticaba from seed is simple and satisfying. Use a fine, free-draining seed compost, scatter the seed evenly, cover it lightly and hold it just moist in good light. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Few garden plants carry such a documented history of use as this one does. Jabuticaba earns its space through character rather than fuss. Moisture matters most while plants are young; established plants cope with far more.
Related Reading
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