Plinia cauliflora

Plinia cauliflora is extremely versatile and suitable for many bonsai styles, particularly informal upright and broom.

There is a “Sabara” Varietal that seems to have smaller leaves and faster growth to fruiting age.

This plant may bear fruit up to 6 times in one year.

Plinia cauliflora specifics

  • Core Identification & Taxonomy
    • Scientific Name: Plinia cauliflora
    • Common Name: Jaboticaba, Jabuticaba, Brazilian Grapetree.
    • Family: Myrtaceae.
    • Varietals: Sabara and Paulista
    • Habitat/Range: Brazil though cultivated elsewhere
  • Morphology & Characteristics
    • Growth Habit: Tree up to 15 meters
    • Leaves: Glossy, slamon color when young
    • Flowers: White.
    • Fruit/Seed: Seems to produce a grape-like fruit directly on the trunk and major branches. Purplish black in color.
    • Stem/Bark: Exfoliating bark, reddish brown in smaller plants. 
    • Growth: Slow
  • Bonsai Notes
    • Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade 6-8 hours daily.
    • Water Use: Moderate consistent water, they do NOT like salt spray or water.
    • Soil Mix: Akadama, Pumice, Lava Rock
    • Fertilizing: balanced fertilizer every 4 weeks during the active growing season (spring through autumn).
  • Styling and Maintenance
    • Pruning: Regular pruning is essential. Forgiving of heavy pruning
    • Defoliation: 
    • Wiring: Branches can be wired year-round, but monitor

Gallery images

First, we are uploading pictures of our plants to show the parts of a plant that may help in identification. Second, we only have so many plants and my photography skills are not actually skillful. Finally, if it would help to see another angle or view, send us a message and we will attempt to get the right picture perspective.