Ideas for community gardens < fast fruits

JABOTICABA

Botanic name

• Myrciarai cauliflora

Growth form

• a slower-growing fast fruit taking perhaps several years to first fruiting
• slow-growing tree to 10 metres with leaves 2-3cm long; white flowers
• several varieties available
• black/ dark purple fruit to 3 cm diameter with thick, tough skin and off-white pulp may be produced up to four or five times a year

Edible part

• fruit eaten raw
• skin edible but chewy
• eat fresh or make into jam

Growing + harvesting

• propagate from seed; grafted plants may be found
• tolerates mild frost
• grows in warm climates; requires protection in cooler climates
• prefers rich soil
• water regularly

Centre of diversity

• Brazil, South America.

PAGE UPDATED... Wednesday, 16 January 2002