Jaboticaba Tree Care

The jaboticaba tree (Myrciaria cauliflora) is a slow growing ornamental tree. This tree is famous for the purplish-black fruits that grow directly on the trunk. It originates from South America, being native to Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and north east Argentina.

Today there are many varieties of jaboticaba. However the most frequently grown varieties are Sabara, Paulista, Rajada, Branca, Ponhema and Rujada.

This tree can bloom intermittently throughout the year. However, the main flowering is usually in spring and the best fruit harvest is October/November.

Jaboticaba Tree Height

The tree can grow up to 12m (39ft) in height. However, pruning can make it work in your garden. It can even be pruned into a hedge.

Jaboticaba Tree Care

Jaboticaba tree care increases the chance this striking tree will produce purplish-black, white-pulped fruits, growing directly on the trunk.

Growing Jaboticaba from Cuttings

Jaboticaba Tree Australia

Jaboticaba grows well from latitude 32 to 16 degrees south. Furthermore you can find it at up to 1000m (3280ft) above sea level. It prefers mean annual temperatures of 22-26°C (72-79F), but will survive cooler temperatures.

The tree is fine for a suburban garden. Heavy rain can cause it to shed leaves, but it will survive periods of water-logging. This is important during the tropical wet season.

Best Fertiliser for Jaboticaba 

Jaboticaba tree care includes feeding your tree. We fertilise our tree twice each year. Once pre-flowering and once as harvesting draws to a conclusion.

Pre Harvest we apply calcium and boron to promote flowering and pollination. Kelp also contains compounds to enhance flowering and fruit set.

Harvest/Post Harvest, we apply a fertiliser rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium.

Jaboticaba can easily be grown in a pot. Indeed this is most beneficial if you live in areas where it might get too cold. It is also useful to grow in a pot if you don’t have the healthiest of soils or enough room in your garden.

Watering

This tree has a fairly shallow root system. It will require watering regularly during the ‘dry season’.

Pests and Diseases

This tree is very resistant to pests due to the leathery skin of the fruit. This protects it from insects. However, when the tree does fruit, you may have some competition from the nearby bird population.

Jaboticaba Tree Fruit

The end result of good jaboticaba tree care is fruit! Indeed the fruit is often eaten straight off the tree. However, it is also often used for making jelly, jams and marmalade.

Taste can vary a little with the variety. For example the red jaboticaba tastes like blueberry yogurt. White jaboticabas taste like sour lychees, and Grimal jaboticabas taste like a sweet grape candy. There are many other varieties. However, one thing they all seem to have in common is that they are bursting with tropical flavour.

The tree mainly fruits in autumn. However, with good jaboticaba tree care they can have multiple fruiting times throughout the year (especially when trees are well fed and watered).

Jaboticaba Tree Benefits

Weight Loss

The fruit is a healthy snack that can help with weight loss. It is low in calories and carbohydrates but packed with vitamins, minerals and protein. Therefore it has a good weight loss combination.

Fibre

The fruit is very high in fibre, with 0.08 milligrams of fibre per 100 edible grams. Consequently, this fibre helps to increase the absorption of water in the intestine facilitating the formation and elimination of stools.

Immune System

The fruit is high in zinc, an essential mineral in the production of defence cells of the body. As a result, the consumption of jaboticaba helps strengthen the immune system.

Antioxidants

Jaboticaba are rich in antioxidants. It contains antioxidants such as anthocyanins, which are known to combat free radicals, helping to avoid the deterioration of cells.

Prebiotics

Furthermore, research has shown the jaboticaba peel is a nutritious source of bioactive compounds with prebiotic effects. So in ordinary language, the peel is great for your gut health and can help to prevent disease.

Thank you for reading and all the best with your jaboticaba tree care.

Jaboticaba Tree for Sale

Consider visiting a local plant nursery. You will be surprised with what they have to offer. In the tropics, there is a good chance they will have a jaboticaba tree.

Jaboticaba Tree Bunnings

This plant is occasionally sold at Bunnings. You may find one in a small pot in the nursery section.

Other Tropical Fruits

• Black Sapote
• Custard Apple
• Dragon Fruit
• Guava Tree
• Grumichama
• Kumquat Tree
• Mamey Sapote
• Mulberries
• Natal Plum
• Passion Fruit
• Paw Paw
• Rambutan
• Star Apple
• Watermelon

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