Scarlet Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora)
Scarlet jaboticaba is the kind of fruit tree that looks like it belongs in folklore. When it blooms, it doesn’t decorate the tips of branches—it throws flowers directly from the trunk and older limbs. Then the fruit follows, clustering along the bark like jewel-drops. Even before you taste a single fruit, it’s a plant that makes people stop walking and lean in for a closer look.
In Florida planting zone 9, jaboticaba is less about “fast results” and more about building a happy, stable microclimate: wind protection, consistent moisture, and an organic, slightly acidic root zone. If you can give it that, it can reward you with repeated bloom-and-fruit cycles—often triggered by rainfall or irrigation pulses once established.
“Scarlet” is commonly used as a descriptive label for a red-leaning selection, but fruit color and intensity can vary by cultivar and conditions. The practical approach is the same: keep the tree well-watered, mulched, and healthy, then harvest when fruit is fully colored and slightly soft—because jaboticaba is at its best fresh and doesn’t hold long after picking.
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): | Scarlet Jaboticaba (selection name), Jaboticaba, Brazilian Grape Tree |
| Size: | Commonly 10–25 ft in the ground; often 4–10 ft in containers with pruning |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen fruit tree / large shrub (perennial) |
| Sun Requirements: | Full sun to partial shade (more sun = stronger fruiting; some afternoon shade helps in hot, dry spells) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Native to Brazil; cultivated in warm subtropical and tropical climates |
| Native to: | Brazil |
| Florida Status: | Non-native; commonly cultivated; not typically listed as invasive |
| Planted range in the USA: | Florida and other warm microclimates; also grown widely as a container fruit tree |
| Conservation Status: | Not listed as threatened or endangered (cultivated species) |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in spring after frost risk; choose a protected spot so roots establish before winter cold snaps |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Moist, well-drained, organic-rich soil; performs best with deep mulch and steady irrigation |
| Soil pH: | Prefers acidic soil (about 5.0–6.5). If your soil is alkaline, lean on organic matter + acid-forming mulches |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate to high; consistent moisture supports blooms and fruit swell (avoid repeated dry-down cycles) |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate; compost + an acid-loving fruit tree fertilizer works well. Watch for iron/micronutrient issues in higher-pH soils. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Light pruning to shape and maintain airflow; remove crossing branches and overly dense interior growth |
| Growth Rate: | Slow to medium (faster with steady water, warmth, and rich organic soil) |
| Companion Planting: | Use living mulches and understory plants that tolerate moisture and organic soils; keep the trunk area clear |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Low; drought stress can cause leaf drop and reduced flowering |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Low to moderate; protect young trees near freezing, especially in 9a (cover + warmth + wind protection) |
| Heat Tolerance: | Good to excellent with adequate moisture |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; protect from cold winter winds and exposed locations |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low; avoid salt spray and saline irrigation |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Best in 9b–11; can work in 9a with protection and a warm microclimate |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Berry-like fruit borne on trunk/older wood (cauliflory) |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Often multiple flushes from late spring through fall once established. Harvest when fruit is fully colored (deep purple/black or red-leaning purple depending on selection) and slightly soft. If you can gently twist one off without force, it’s usually ready. |
| Fruit Description: | Sweet-tart, grape-like flavor; juicy interior with a thicker skin that can be tannic to some palates |
| Edible Plant: | Yes (fruit) |
| Edible Parts: | Fruit pulp (and skin if desired); seeds typically not eaten |
| Medicinal: | Traditional uses exist in some cultures, but this page is 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 following rain/irrigation cycles) |
| Bloom Duration: | Short bloom windows per flush; fruit typically ripens quickly after flowering in warm weather |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Often self-fertile; bees and other insects commonly assist and may improve fruit set |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees during bloom; birds and small mammals may target ripe fruit |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees and other beneficial insects |
| Problematic Pest: | Scale, aphids, and whiteflies can lead to honeydew and sooty mold. Ants may “farm” these pests. Netting may be needed once wildlife learns harvest timing. |
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. Thick skins may be astringent and can upset sensitive stomachs if eaten in large amounts |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not typically toxic; as with many fruits, large amounts may 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 (Scarlet Jaboticaba), aim for companions that support moist, organic soil and attract beneficial insects—without crowding the trunk. Keep a clear mulch ring at the base to prevent rot and reduce pest hiding spots.
Florida Native: Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Nitrogen-fixing living mulch that improves soil and feeds pollinators.
Use: Let it carpet beyond the mulch ring to suppress weeds and keep soil cooler.
Florida Native: Frogfruit (Phyla nodiflora)
Zone Range: 7–11
Benefits: Low groundcover that supports pollinators and reduces soil splash onto leaves.
Use: Fill edges and paths around the tree (not right against the trunk).
Florida Native: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 6–10
Benefits: Wildlife value + beneficial insect support; helpful as a soft wind buffer on the perimeter.
Use: Plant outside the jaboticaba’s canopy line to reduce competition.
Florida Friendly: Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Dense, tidy living mulch that fixes nitrogen and suppresses weeds.
Use: Use in sunny openings around the tree, leaving a wide 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 + chop-and-drop biomass; can help as a temporary summer nurse plant.
Use: Plant on the outer ring and prune for mulch so it doesn’t shade the jaboticaba.
Florida Friendly: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Aromatic border plant that adds biomass and defines bed edges.
Use: Plant as a border clump away from the trunk; harvest to keep it compact.
Jaboticaba hates drying out: mulch deep, irrigate consistently, and keep soil rich with organic matter. In zone 9, protect from cold wind and cover young trees during hard freezes. Keep the trunk area open and airy to reduce rot and pest pressure.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions — Florida-focused guidance on irrigation, mulching, and fruit-tree care in home landscapes.
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for soils, fertilizing, and pest/disease management principles.
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — “right plant, right place” planning and water-wise landscape practices.
- 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 (helpful for jaboticaba context).