Jabuticaba

The jabuticaba (Plinia cauliflora, syn. Myrciaria cauliflora), also known as the Brazilian grape tree, is a species of the Myrtaceae family native to southeastern Brazil. The name "jabuticaba" is derived from the Tupi-Guarani word "îaboti'kaaba," which translates to "like a jabuti's (tortoise's) belly." In Hebrew, it is known as ג'אבוטיקבה. The tree is notable for its unique growth pattern, where fruits develop directly on the trunk and branches, a characteristic known as cauliflory. Jabuticaba fruits are small, dark-purple to black, and have a thick skin encasing a gelatinous flesh with a subacid, sweet flavor. They are typically consumed fresh, made into jams, jellies, or wines, and are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The tree thrives in humid, subtropical climates and is widely cultivated in Brazil and other tropical regions. In Portuguese, it is called jabuticaba, and in Spanish, it is known as guapurú or yabuticaba.