Jaboticaba Tree / Plinia Cauliflora / Care Botanical Garden

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Jaboticaba Tree / Plinia Cauliflora

Scientific Name: Plinia cauliflora
Common Names: Jaboticaba, Brazilian Grape Tree
Family: Myrtaceae

🌍 Place of Origin

Native to southeastern Brazil, especially the states of Minas Gerais and São Paulo. A tropical and subtropical species prized for its unique fruiting habit and sweet edible berries.

🪴 Growing Conditions

• USDA Growing Zones: 9–11

• Soil pH: 5.5–6.5 (prefers acidic, rich, well-drained soil)

• Sunlight: ☀️ Full sun to partial shade

• Water Needs: 💧 Moderate to high – prefers consistently moist soil

• Drought Tolerance: ⚠️ Low – must be watered regularly, especially in heat

• Indoor Potting: 🪴 Yes – can be grown in large containers; slow-growing and ideal for patio gardens

• Best Use in Landscape:
  Excellent as a tropical specimen tree, edible ornamental, or patio fruit tree in subtropical gardens; highly attractive even when not fruiting

🌺 Uses & Symbolism

• Culinary Use: Fruits are eaten fresh or made into jellies, wines, liqueurs, and juices

• Cultural Symbolism: In Brazil, Jaboticaba is associated with family, generosity, and childhood nostalgia — often planted in yards as a living legacy

• Other Uses: The bark and fruit peel are sometimes used in folk remedies

⚕️ Medicinal Properties & Studies

• Traditional Uses: Bark tea used for sore throats, asthma, and digestive problems in Brazilian folk medicine

• Modern Findings:

  • Fruit rich in anthocyanins and polyphenols with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties

  • Shown to help reduce blood sugar and support gut health in early studies

• Pharmacological Actions:
  Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antidiabetic (under study)

• Vitamins & Minerals:
  Vitamin C, B-complex, calcium, phosphorus, and potassium

🐾 Toxicity & Safety

• Toxic to Pets or Humans: ❌ No – fruit and tree are considered safe and edible

• Insecticidal Properties: 🚫 None documented

• Pollinators: 🐝 Attracts bees during flowering and birds during fruiting season

• Other Notes: Slow to fruit (can take 8–10 years from seed); grafted trees fruit sooner. Fruit appears directly from the bark — a rare phenomenon called cauliflory

🌿 Quick Symbols Overview:
☀️ Full Sun / Partial Shade | 💧 Moist Soil | 🪴 Pot-Friendly | ❌ Non-Toxic | ⚕️ Medicinal Folk Use | 🐝 Bee Friendly | 🍇 Edible Fruit

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