Brazilian grape tree, which is known as jaboticaba (jaboticaba), belongs to the genus Pliny of the Myrtle family. This plant is cultivated in the tropics as a fruit. The Jaboticaba grape tree grows naturally in Brazil, Bolivia, Paraguay and Argentina. Today it is acclimatized in Uruguay, Colombia, Panama, Peru, as well as Cuba and the Philippines. From the article you will learn how you can grow this plant at home and how to properly care for it.
Botanical description
This evergreen tree with a low growth rate can reach a height of 5 to 12 meters. The leaves are glossy, leathery, medium in size and elongated oval in shape. They exude a characteristic myrtle aroma. The bark of the tree has a pinkish tint and is covered with gray spots, which is clearly visible in the photo of the grape tree.
Jaboticaba blooms in spring and continues to bloom all summer. White flowers of small size bloom on the trunk and main branches, where fruits are then tied. This phenomenon is called caulifloria. Fruits-drupes of dark purple color, round or elongatedup to 4 centimeters in size. The pulp is white or pinkish, juicy. Fruits that ripen in three to four weeks are grouped into clusters.
The grape tree is harvested several times from spring to autumn. In the process of ripening, the fruits change their color from green to dark red, and then to almost black. Ripe fruits resemble grapes, but inside they have one large seed. The taste of the pulp is unusually sweet.
Application of Jabotikaba
Vine fruits can be eaten raw. They are also used to make sweets, juices and wine.
Due to the fact that the fruits of jaboticaba are stored for a very short time after removal and begin to ferment after only three days, in order to avoid damage to the crop, you have to start it immediately for making wine.
The most widespread production of wine from the fruit of the grape tree is widespread in Brazil. The peel of the fruit is very rich in tannin, and therefore has a bitter taste. Thanks to her, wine and sweets made from Jaboticaba have a rich red color. Commodity production of fruits of the grape tree is developed only in some countries of South America. The tree grows very slowly, is extremely sensitive to low temperatures, and the crop is stored for a very short time. All these factors hinder its wider distribution.
Jabotica fruits are used in medicine. A decoction is prepared from the dried peel, which is used as a remedy for asthma and diarrhea. It also softens the throat and reduces inflammation. Modern researchshow that this plant can help fight cancer.
Growing Jaboticaba at home
In the open field, the Brazilian grape tree can only be grown in the tropics. In areas where there are even short periods of frost, Jaboticaba cannot survive. But because of its appearance, it is gaining more and more popularity and it is grown in houses and apartments, winter gardens and greenhouses.
Growing seedlings
For indoor cultivation, it is best to purchase two or three grafted hybrid seedlings between the ages of one and three years. After rooting, you need to choose the most intensively developing shoot and focus on growing it.
The plant begins to actively bloom and bear fruit at the age of four to six years, depending on the conditions and individual characteristics. It not only fits perfectly into any interior, but also emits a light, pleasant aroma of myrtle. Like many tropical plants, the Brazilian Jaboticaba grape tree requires partial shade to thrive and develop properly. Under direct sunlight, the plant can be left only in the morning and evening. Be sure to protect the plant from cold drafts.
Growing from seeds
You can try growing a Brazilian grape tree from seeds. But you need to take into account the fact that, unlike a plant grown from a seedling, which can bloom as early as the fourth year, seedlings begin to bear fruit only after 10-12 years. The seeds have a very short shelf life, so they need to be planted in the soil as soon as possible, otherwise they may lose their germination capacity and become moldy. The plant needs a light and loose soil mixture.
Vine tree does not tolerate saline, dense soils and soils with high acidity. The first shoots appear about a month after planting. During the first few years, growth rates will be extremely low. You can slightly accelerate the development by applying mineral fertilizers. Additionally, you can make iron preparations - this will avoid damage by chlorosis.
Irrigation mode
It is impossible to allow the soil to dry out - this will necessarily negatively affect the growth and development of the jaboticaba. Watering should be carried out each time, guided by the drying of the topsoil to a depth of one to three centimeters. After watering, the soil is covered with mulch to avoid too rapid evaporation of moisture. Dangerous for the plant and excess water stagnant in the pan. Be sure to use warm, low-chlorine water for irrigation.
How to get rid of chlorine?
It takes at least seven hours to defend tap water in an uncovered glass container. In the first four hours, the water will be freed from volatile impurities, and the rest of the time is required for the precipitation of s alts. After settling, the water must be carefully poured into a clean vessel, avoiding shaking. The sediment formed during settling must be drained along with the bottom layer of water.
