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Jaboticaba. This name is applied in southeastern Brazil to the fruits of several species of Myrciaria, notably M. cauliflora, and M. jaboticaba, of the family Myrtaoeae. See Myrciaria.
The jaboticabeira, or jaboticaba tree, occurs not only in the wild state in various parts of Minas Geraes, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and adjoining states, but is commonly planted in gardens, and the fruit, which does not differ much in character among the various species, is held in the highest esteem by Brazilians of all classes. When well grown the tree is extremely handsome, reaching a height of 35 or 40 feet, with an umbrageous, dome-shaped head of light green foliage, the new growth pink. The persistent entire leaves are opposite, ovate-elliptical to lanceolate, acute or acuminate at the apex, generally glabrous, varying from 3/4 inch to over 3 inches in length. The flowers are small, white, with four petals and a prominent cluster of stamens. They are produced singly or in clusters directly upon the bark of the trunk and limbs. The season of flowering and fruiting varies with the different species and in different localities; sometimes two or more crops a year are produced.
The fruit is nearly sessile or with a slender peduncle about 1 inch long, and is round or slightly oblate in form. It is 1/2 inch to 1-1 1/2 inches in diameter, glossy, maroon-purple in color, and crowned with a small disk at the apex. The skin is thicker than that of a grape, and considerably tougher. The translucent, juicy pulp, white or tinged with rose, is of a most agreeable vinous flavor, remarkably suggestive of the grape, to which the jaboticaba is frequently compared. The seeds, one to four in number, are oval to round in outline, compressed laterally, 1/4 to 3/8 inch long. When heavily laden with fruit, the tree is a curious sight. Not only is the trunk covered with glistening jaboticabas. but the fruiting extends out to the ends of the small branches as well.
The fruit is usually consumed when fresh, but in former days was used by the Indians for the manufacture of wine. It is sometimes made into jelly or jam. In the markets of Rio de Janeiro, jaboticabas sell for about 25 cents a pound, and considerable quantities are shipped in from Minas Geraes and Sao Paulo.
The tree prefers a soil that is rich and deep. Its growth is slow, six to eight years being required for it to come into bearing. Propagation in Brazil is almost always by seed, but inarching or some other vegetative means is necessary to perpetuate good varieties. There is much variation among seedlings. In California the jaboticaba makes very slow growth, and is adapted only to the most protected, locations. It has been planted in Florida very recently, and may prove adapted to some sections of that state. When young the trees are very susceptible to frost, but when they have attained a few years' growth they will withstand slight frosts without serious injury. For a more complete account, see "Journal of Heredity," Vol. V, No. 7, 1914. F. W. Popenoe.
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Myrciaria cauliflora, Berg. Jaboticaba. The best-known species, considered by Barbosa Rodrigues the handsomest of all the Myrtacese. Tree, up to 35 ft.: lvs. elliptical-lanceolate acute at base and apex: calyx- lobes lanceolate, ciliate: fls. shortly pedicellate, produced directly from the bark of the trunk and branches: fr. ½-1½in- diam., globose, purplish violet in color, exocarp astringent. Mountains of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Geraes. Pacific Garden, June 1915, p. 12.
Myrciaria cauliflora, Berg. Jaboticaba. The best-known species, considered by Barbosa Rodrigues the handsomest of all the Myrtacese. Tree, up to 35 ft.: lvs. elliptical-lanceolate acute at base and apex: calyx- lobes lanceolate, ciliate: fls. shortly pedicellate, produced directly from the bark of the trunk and branches: fr. ½-1½in- diam., globose, purplish violet in color, exocarp astringent. Mountains of Rio de Janeiro and Minas Geraes. Pacific Garden, June 1915, p. 12.
