Jabuticaba: The Brazilian Trunk-Fruit
Jabuticaba fruits grow directly on the trunk of the tree, not on branches. The story of this stunning Brazilian native and how to grow one.
Jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is one of horticulture's most photogenic fruits. The black-purple grape-sized berries grow directly out of the trunk and main branches of the tree โ a phenomenon called cauliflory โ covering the bark like cluster jewels. Native to southern Brazil, the fruit has been cultivated by Indigenous peoples for thousands of years.
Origin and history
Native to the Atlantic Forest of southern Brazil. The name comes from the Tupi-Guarani word "jaboti caba" meaning "place where tortoises are" (the fruit is loved by Brazilian tortoises). Cultivation has been part of Brazilian agriculture for centuries.
Where jabuticabas grow today
Brazil dominates production. Limited commercial cultivation in Argentina, Paraguay, parts of California, and Australia.
How to grow
Subtropical, USDA Zones 9-11. Slow-growing tree (4-12m). First fruit can take 8-15 years from seed; grafted trees fruit in 3-5 years. Trees fruit several times per year in suitable climates.
Bottom line
One of horticulture's most photogenic fruits. Slow to start but produces for 100+ years.