Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora)

Jabuticaba, also known as Jaboticaba or Brazillian Grapetree, is a really unique small fruit tree or shrub native to Brazil. Jabuticaba fruit grows right off of the trunk and is about the look and size of a large grape, measuring 1-3 inches in size. The fruit has astringent grape-like skin and white sweet rosey flavored pulp. Jabuticaba fruit is typically eaten fresh but can also be used to make juices, desserts, jams, or even fermented into wine. 

The name Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) ccoes from the Tupi word, jaboti, for turtle, or like turtle fat, descriptive of the fruit pulp. Cauliflora is from cauliflorous, meaning the fruit and flowers grow directly on the bark or under bark along the trunk, limbs, and branches. The branch is profuse; angling upward and typically forms a dense, rounded or vase-like, symmetrical crown.