Red Joboticaba (Plinia cauliflora)
Jaboticaba is one of those “wait—what?” fruit trees that never stops being interesting. Instead of fruit hanging from outer branches, jaboticaba produces flowers and fruit directly on the trunk and older limbs, coating the bark with round, glossy fruit like living ornaments. It feels ancient and magical, and it turns a simple backyard planting into a conversation piece the moment it starts producing.
In Florida planting zone 9, jaboticaba can be grown successfully with the right placement: protect it from cold wind, keep soil consistently moist (not swampy), and build an acidic, organic root zone. Growth is usually slow to moderate, but once the tree settles in, it can flower in flushes—especially after rains—then ripen fruit quickly in warm weather.
Many jaboticabas are known for deep purple-to-black fruit at ripeness; “red” types or selections may show more reddish-purple tones depending on cultivar and conditions. Either way, the payoff is the same: sweet-tart fruit with grape-like skin and a juicy interior that’s best eaten fresh right off the trunk.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Plinia cauliflora |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Myrtaceae (Myrtle family) |
| Common Name(s): | Jaboticaba, Red Joboticaba (selection name), Brazilian Grape Tree |
| Size: | Typically 10–25 ft in the ground; often smaller (4–10 ft) in containers with pruning |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen fruit tree / large shrub (perennial) |
| Sun Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade (best fruiting with more sun, best summer comfort with some afternoon shade) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to Brazil; grown in warm subtropical and tropical regions worldwide |
| Native to: | Brazil |
| Florida Status: | Non-native; commonly cultivated; not typically listed as invasive |
| Planted range in the USA: | Florida, Hawaii, coastal California (protected sites), and other warm microclimates; often grown in containers |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered (cultivated species) |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in spring once frost risk is low; choose a protected spot so the tree can root deeply before winter cold snaps |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; performs best with a deep mulch layer and consistent watering |
| Soil pH: | Prefers acidic soil (roughly 5.0–6.5); avoid repeated liming around the root zone |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate to high; do not let the root zone dry out for long periods (steady moisture supports flowering and fruit swell) |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate; use compost and an acid-loving fruit tree fertilizer. Avoid overdoing nitrogen, and ensure micronutrients (especially iron) are available in higher-pH soils. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Light pruning to shape and open airflow; remove crossing branches and keep lower interior from getting too dense |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to medium; typically slower in cooler winters, faster with steady water + rich organic soil |
| Companion Planting: | Pairs well with living mulches and understory plants that like moisture and acidic soils; keep a clear mulch ring at the trunk |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Low; drought stress can cause leaf drop and reduced flowering—mulch and irrigation are key |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Low to moderate; young trees can be damaged near freezing. Protect during hard freezes (especially in 9a) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Good to excellent; appreciates humidity and steady moisture in summer heat |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; protect from cold winter winds and very exposed sites |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; avoid direct coastal exposure and saline irrigation |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Best as a perennial in 9b–11; possible in 9a with protection and a warm microclimate |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Berry-like fruit borne directly on trunk/older limbs (cauliflory) |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Often multiple flushes from late spring through fall in warm climates. Harvest when fruit is fully colored (deep purple/black or reddish-purple depending on selection) and slightly soft to the touch. Fruit is best eaten fresh within a day or two—quality drops quickly if left too long. |
| Fruit Description: | Sweet-tart, grape-like; thick skin with juicy pulp inside; excellent fresh and also used for jams, syrups, and fermented drinks |
| Edible Plant: | Yes (fruit) |
| Edible Parts: | Fruit pulp and skin (skin is tannic to some palates); seeds are not typically eaten |
| Medicinal: | Traditionally used in teas/preparations in some cultures (not medical advice; research safe use and interactions) |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Flower Shape: | Small, tufted flowers with many stamens |
| Fragrance: | Light to mild |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Late spring through fall (often triggered by rain/irrigation cycles once established) |
| Bloom Duration: | Short bloom windows per flush; fruit ripens quickly after flowering in warm weather |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Often self-fertile; bees and other insects commonly assist and may improve set |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees during bloom; birds and small mammals may target ripe fruit |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees and other small beneficial insects |
| Problematic Pest: | Scale, aphids, and whiteflies can cause sticky honeydew (leading to sooty mold). Ripe fruit may attract fruit flies and wildlife. Monitor regularly and keep the tree healthy with mulch and proper watering. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally considered non-toxic (fruit is commonly eaten) |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None commonly recognized as poisonous |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic; wash fruit before eating. Tannic skins may upset sensitive stomachs if eaten in large quantity |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not typically toxic; as with many fruits, large amounts can cause mild digestive upset in pets |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Myrtle rust, anthracnose/fruit rots, sooty mold (from honeydew), and root rot in poorly drained soils |
Companion Planting
For Plinia cauliflora (Red Joboticaba), the best companions support moist, organic, slightly acidic soil, attract beneficial insects, and keep weeds down—without crowding the trunk. Keep a clear mulch ring around the base to prevent rot and pest hiding spots.
Florida Native: Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Nitrogen-fixing living mulch that improves soil while feeding pollinators.
Use: Let it carpet beyond the mulch ring to suppress weeds and soften pathways.
Florida Native: Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Low groundcover that supports pollinators and reduces soil splash on foliage.
Use: Fill edges around the tree (not right against the trunk) for a tidy, living understory.
Florida Native: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 6–10
Benefits: Wildlife value and beneficial insect support; can act as a soft wind buffer on the perimeter.
Use: Plant outside the jaboticaba’s canopy line so it doesn’t compete directly at the trunk.
Florida Friendly: Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Tough, low living mulch that fixes nitrogen and reduces weeds.
Use: Use as a groundcover “carpet” in sunny openings around the tree, leaving a mulch ring at the trunk.
Florida Friendly: Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)
Zone Range: 9–11 (often grown as a seasonal shrub in 9)
Benefits: Nitrogen-fixer and biomass plant; can provide temporary summer shelter and chop-and-drop mulch.
Use: Plant on the outer ring and prune for mulch—do not allow it to shade the jaboticaba heavily.
Florida Friendly: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Aromatic border plant that adds biomass and helps define a clean planting bed edge.
Use: Plant as a border clump away from the trunk; harvest often to keep it compact.
Jaboticaba hates drying out. Mulch deep, irrigate consistently, and build organic matter year after year. In zone 9, choose a warm microclimate (south/east side protection), and cover young trees during hard freezes. Keep the trunk area clear—crowding can increase rot and pest problems.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions — Florida-friendly planting, mulching, irrigation, and backyard fruit tree best practices.
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for soils, fertilizing, and pest/disease management principles in Florida.
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — water-wise landscape guidance and “right plant, right place” planning.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone reference framework used for planting suitability.
- USDA PLANTS Database — general taxonomy and naming reference.
- California Rare Fruit Growers (CRFG) — practical grower notes and general uncommon fruit culture references (useful for jaboticaba discussions).