Sabara Jaboticaba

Sabara Jaboticaba

The Sabara Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a popular variety of the Jaboticaba fruit tree, also known as the Brazilian grapetree. 

1. Tree Characteristics:

• Size and Shape: The Sabara Jaboticaba is a small, slow-growing evergreen tree that typically reaches a height of 10-15 feet in California, but can grow up to 45 feet in Brazil, according to the California Rare Fruit Growers. It has a dense, rounded crown and attractive peeling bark, which adds ornamental value.
• Foliage: It has glossy, dark green, lanceolate to elliptic leaves, 1-4 inches long.
• Cold Hardiness: It is considered one of the hardiest Jaboticaba varieties, tolerating temperatures down to the mid-20s Fahrenheit with some protection.
• Fruiting: This variety is precocious, meaning it fruits earlier than other Jaboticaba varieties, typically in 4-6 years if given full sun and proper fertilization. It can produce 3-4 crops of fruit per year. 

2. Fruit Characteristics:

• Appearance: The Sabara Jaboticaba produces small, round, purplish-black fruits, typically around 1 inch in diameter. The fruits grow directly on the trunk and branches, a unique characteristic called cauliflory.
• Flavor: The fruit is known for its sweet and aromatic flavor, often described as a combination of grape, lychee, and muscadine grape. It has a juicy pulp with a slightly acidic tang.
• Uses: The fruit is eaten fresh, and is also used in jams, jellies, and wine. 

3. Growing Conditions:

• Climate: Jaboticaba trees are best suited for tropical and subtropical climates and thrive in USDA zones 9-11.
• Sun: They prefer full sun to partial shade.
• Soil: They require well-drained soil and prefer slightly acidic conditions with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
• Water: They are not very drought-tolerant and need regular watering, especially during establishment. 

In essence: The Sabara Jaboticaba is a desirable variety of the Brazilian grapetree due to its early and abundant fruit production, excellent flavor, and relative cold hardiness, making it a good choice for growers in suitable climates.