Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora)
Grape-Like Fruit Grows on the Trunk—Truly Magical!
Sweet, tropical, and visually stunning from bark to bloom.
Jaboticaba, also known as the Brazilian Grape Tree or Jabuticaba, is a rare tropical fruiting tree native to Brazil that produces deep purple, grape-like fruits directly on its trunk and branches—a botanical rarity called cauliflory. The fruit is sweet, juicy, and full of flavor, with tart skins and soft, translucent pulp often compared to muscadine grape, lychee, and plum. Perfect fresh or transformed into wine, jelly, or liqueur, this treasure is a must-grow for rare fruit lovers and edible landscape enthusiasts.
This small evergreen tree is just as ornamental as it is productive, with smooth mottled bark, glossy green foliage, and showy white blooms that emerge straight from the trunk. Slow-growing but long-lived, Jaboticaba forms a compact, vase-shaped canopy ideal for food forests, tropical gardens, or container growing—even bonsai.
Thriving in rich, moist, slightly acidic soil and partial to full sun, Jaboticaba is hardy in Zones 9-11 and tolerant of light frost. With patience and consistent watering, especially during flowering and fruiting, you’ll be rewarded with one of the most conversation-worthy fruits on Earth.
Plant Type:
Tropical / Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Spring, Summer
Mature Size:
10-12 ft
Due to their unique shrubby and branchy growing habit and short stature, Jabuticaba trees are an excellent specimen for Bonsai!
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, moist well-drained soil, and humid conditions similar to their native areas tropical and subtropical regions.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Slow
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Jabuticaba is grown from seed, capable of producion within 3-8 years, depending on variety
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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