Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba
Jabuticaba (pronunciation: /ʒabutiˈkabɐ/), also known as the Brazilian grape tree, is a tree in the family Myrtaceae, native to Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, and Bolivia. The fruit is purplish-black, with a sweet, white pulp that can be eaten raw or used in jellies, wines, and liqueurs.
Etymology
The word "Jabuticaba" comes from the Tupi language, spoken by the native Tupi people of Brazil. It is a combination of the words "Jabuti" (tortoise) and "Caba" (place), referring to the way the fruit grows directly on the trunk of the tree, resembling a tortoise's shell.
Description
The Jabuticaba tree grows to a height of 10-15 meters and has a habit of producing its fruit directly on the trunk, a phenomenon known as cauliflory. The fruit is a round, dark purple to black berry, 3-4 cm in diameter, with a thick, tough skin and a sweet, white, gelatinous flesh. The fruit contains one to four large seeds, which are not usually consumed due to their bitter taste.
Cultivation and uses
Jabuticaba trees are widely cultivated in Brazil and other parts of South America for their fruit, which is eaten fresh, made into jelly, or fermented to produce wine and liqueurs. The fruit is also used in traditional medicine in some cultures, although there is little scientific evidence to support these uses.
Related terms
- Myrtaceae: The plant family to which the Jabuticaba tree belongs.
- Cauliflory: The habit of some plants to produce flowers and fruit directly on the trunk or main branches.
- Tupi language: The language from which the word "Jabuticaba" is derived.
- Tupi people: The indigenous people of Brazil who spoke the Tupi language.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Jabuticaba
- Wikipedia's article - Jabuticaba
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