I had no idea until this one that there are hundreds of different kinds of jaboticaba out there.
The Basics
Jaboticaba refers to several Plinia species in the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. Ours is the watermelon white variety.
Origin and Habitat
Native to Brazil, where it’s a beloved backyard fruit tree.
What It Looks Like
Famous for fruiting directly on its trunk and main branches rather than out on the twigs, giving mature trees a striking, almost barnacled look when in fruit.
Uses and Flavor
Eaten fresh out of hand or made into juice, jam, and even wine in Brazil. The watermelon white variety is one of many color and flavor variations across the hundreds of jaboticaba types that exist.
Growing It Here
Got the watermelon white jaboticaba variety from Joe. Planted it somewhere it’ll get plenty of moisture, since that’s what jaboticaba wants to really thrive.
Pests and Diseases to Watch For
Nothing to report so far.
Kenta’s Take
Finding out there are hundreds of jaboticaba varieties out there was a genuine surprise, and it’s made me want to eventually collect more than just this one.