Jabuticaba fruit has a round shape and will turn from bright green when immature to dark purple when fully ripe giving it an appearance similar to that of a concord grape. Measuring on average one inch in diameter the tough skin of the Jabuticaba offers a tannic and resinous flavor. Within the skin is a pulpy, translucent white to rosy pink flesh surrounding one to five round and flat, light brown seeds. The flavor of the Jabuticaba flesh has been likened to that of muscadine grapes, which are known for their fruity and flowery qualities. It is a cauliflorous tree meaning that the flowers and fruits grow directly from the trunks and large branches of the tree rather than from stems.

They may be found in small clusters or individually up and down the trunk of the Jabuticaba tree.

Growing Jabuticaba

If you are considering having a Jabuticaba in your garden, consider keeping it for the long haul.

Jaboticabas are very slow-growing trees, it usually takes them 5-8 years from seed to fruit, and during the year the Jabuticaba tree might not make much of a change in appearance while growing its roots below.

If slow growth is not what you had in mind you can always take the route of purchasing an already fruiting Jabuticaba to save you the years of having to wait.

Location is very important when it comes to planting your Jabuticaba โ€“ of course, if you are like most gardeners you would think that the sun is great for fruiting trees. Jabuticabas are able to do great under canopy situations or in part shaded areas. The trees would also thrive in full sun areas as well but if you donโ€™t have space in your garden to receive the full sun โ€“ donโ€™t feel bad putting it in a dappled light setting they will do just fine.

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Some gardeners have even reported that Jabuticabas grow at a faster rate in the shade than those planted in the full sun.

Jabuticabas prefer well-drained soils with a slightly acid pH. The trees donโ€™t tend to like alkaline soils. In Kenya, before you plant a Jabuticaba it is highly recommended to test your soil first.

Jaboticaba trees LOVE water, in-fact it is really hard to overwater this tree. Since the tree originated in the rainforests of Brazil the tree naturally is used to receiving heavy amounts of rainfall. In Kenya your tree will thrive off our heat and rainfalls we have โ€“ but the tree still is going to be needed to be watered regularly to maintain proper health.

Tip: Consider planting your Jabuticaba in a part of your yard that would typically stay flooded after heavy rain as those spots is where a Jabuticaba would love as it prefers wet areas.

Jabuticaba Permaculture

Most people wouldnโ€™t be able to recognize the Jaboticaba on sight. Most wouldnโ€™t even know what the word means. However, this unusual tree is much-beloved in the permaculture community for many reasons. The small space needed to grow the Jaboticaba, their ease of care, pest resilience and compact growth make them an easy pick for anyone trying to incorporate more edible, unusual and hardy plants into the start of their food forest.

There are many agricultural benefits to adding the Jaboticaba to your food forest, however, beyond the culinary options. The tree takes a very small amount of space, so even those with limited acreage can find a spot for it. Some even add it to their landscaping, or grow it right within a pot, saying the the appearance easily adds curb appeal, making it a possible contender for urban permaculture gardens as well.

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After a while, the tree will eventually, with good care, make it to about 15 metres, but this only after many decades. Many in the wild are just around 5 metres high. Vertical growth, therefore, is very, very slow, and, with the right pruning, the trees can even be cut down into more of a shrub, to save additional space. On the other hand, if you have an expansive food forest, you can mimic the Jaboticabaโ€™s position in nature, where it grows well next to streams, as a second-story tree, protected by the canopy.

Where to buy Jabuticaba seedlings in Kenya

Jabuticaba seedlings can be obtained at Farmers Trend nursery, Nairobi branch by contacting 0724-559286 or 0790-509684. The jabuticaba seedlings goes for 1,000/=.

You can call the number given and you will be assisted on delivery

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